Arsenal appear frontrunners for latest youthful recruit with club fearful of approach ahead of rivals

Arsenal appear to be frontrunners for their latest youthful recruit as the player’s club are fearful of an approach, as per a report.

Having adopted the recruitment plan last summer the Gunners have since been vindicated by performances on the pitch after coming in for considerable criticism at the time from many pundits.

They now have a squad brimming with potential and challenging for Champions League football again.

So it’s no wonder that they look set to continue with their agenda once the window re-opens at the end of the season.

Many targets have been linked which fit the bill the Emirates hierarchy are looking for.

And it looks like next through the door could be Cody Gakpo, a 22-year-old forward who plays for PSV in the Eredivisie.

He has burst onto the radar of many top six sides this season thanks to his performances.

Arsenal have been joined in taking a look at him by Liverpool, Manchester United and Man City.

With Gakpo’s tally for the campaign reading 16 goals and 15 assists in 37 appearances, it’s not hard to see why.

PSV winger Cody Gakpo rated at £40m wanted by Barca, Bayern and Liverpool

PSV winger Cody Gakpo is wanted by Liverpool, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Barcelona for £40m

Competition is clearly high. But the Gunners look ready to stake their claim.

That’s because according to Eindhovens Dagblad, PSV have a ‘strong suspicion’ they will make a move.

The Dutch side anticipate their transfer record for a departure to broken with a fee of €40m (£33m) touted.

Should that be offered then they will not stand in Gakpo’s way.

Arsenal would get ‘real hit’

If successful, Arsenal have been tipped to be getting a “real hit” in Gakpo by Paul Robinson.

“I’m a big fan of his. I think he would be a real hit in the Premier League, especially at a club like Liverpool,” he told Football Insider.

“The Eredivisie is renowned for unearthing talented players and Gakpo could be the next.

“I think there is three or four players in that league that could move across to the Premier League. Gakpo is certainly one of them.

“I’ve watched a fair bit of him this season. And I think he’s good enough to play for a top-four club.

“He’s an exciting forward and he’s at the right age.”

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