Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal edge ahead of Liverpool as transfer target drops hint on his future

Cody Gakpo, PSV, March 2022.

Arsenal appear to be ahead of Liverpool in the hunt for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo, as he has dropped a hint on his next club.

There has been heavy speculation over a move for Gakpo for months. The Dutchman has been linked with a number of English sides of late.

Manchester City have cropped up, but it is Arsenal and Liverpool that appear to be the main pursuers. Indeed, Gakpo appears to be a quality player, who could thrive in England.

At just 22 years of age, he has already contributed to 71 goals for PSV. He has been electric this term, scoring nine goals and providing 13 assists in the Eredivisie so far.

What’s more, he scored and assisted on just his third appearance for the Netherlands. The battle for Gakpo appears as if it will be hotly contested, with his price tag above £40million.

It seems as if Arsenal have edged ahead of Liverpool in the pursuit of Gakpo, thanks to a recent interview.

“We are not the same kind of league but I think we try to look at the Prem and learn about it. Everybody wants to play one time in the Prem. I don’t favour one team but I like Arsenal a lot,” Gakpo told The Sun.

“I looked up to [Thierry] Henry when I was younger because he was a tall guy who played on the wing.”

Indeed, it seems as if Gakpo may be angling for a move to the Emirates Stadium.

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

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

“If I can make a step to a team who plays in the Champions League every season, of course it is my dream. But I still have a contract and there is a new coach coming in — but maybe there comes a club I cannot say no to,” he added.

Arsenal’s Champions League ambitions may have taken a hit, following their 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace. However, they are still fifth in the league and battling for a top-four spot.

Former Premier League star helped Gakpo develop

Cody Gakpo transfer news., Liverpool keen on Holland and PSV Eindhoven winger

Gakpo has had further influence from the Premier League. Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy helped to develop Gakpo into a quality player in front of goal.

“Van Nistelrooy was my striker trainer in the academy,” Gakpo said.

“I have learned a lot from him and I look up to him. He’s spoken to me about how to finish in certain situations and it helped me a lot.

“He told me some tricks on shooting and keeping my options open. Shoot low and hard, not beautiful and high. A goal is a goal, you know. I am grateful he did.”

Van Nistelrooy was a quality player in the Premier League, and Gakpo could follow suit soon.

READ MORE: Agent slams ‘ridiculous’ talk over deadly Man Utd, Arsenal target amid rave reviews