Arsenal could hijack a deal with Manchester United and sign an Eredivisie striker from under their rivals’ noses.
That’s according to a report, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta having made no secret of his desire to add ‘firepower’ to his squad. Manchester City pair Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus have moved to north London with Porto playmaker Fabio Vieira and young Brazilian starlet Marquinhos. US national team goaltender Matt Turner also joined.
Arteta hoped to complete his squad with the acquisition of Pedro Neto in the final days of the transfer window – but the price is a sticking point. With some alternatives in the works, however, a source claims the north Londoners could get one over United ahead of their trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.
sky sports senior reporter Melissa Reddy (opens in a new tab) confirmed on air that the Gunners are considering a move to Gakpo. The Telegraph (opens in a new tab) recently claimed that Southampton had also rejected an offer.
“It’s no surprise that many Premier League clubs are watching him,” Reddy said. “One of the names I have been told to watch is Arsenal, who have said they want to improve their attacking options.
Gakpo was first linked with Arsenal in January when it became clear the Gunners would need to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette – but reportedly signed a new deal with PSV at the time to protect his value .
However, the chances of North Londoners still moving for Gakpo may be low. There was no talk of a dialogue between them or their Europa League group rivals PSV, with Arteta apparently favoring a left-footed profile in the form of Pedro Neto or previous target Raphinha. A swoop for Gakpo now would feel a bit like panic buying – something Arsenal have not typically done under Arteta.
Despite interest from many English sides, Gakpo remained in the Eredivisie for the time being, as PSV were fighting for Champions League qualification and wanted to keep the goalscorer to help them in their play-offs. Now, however, the Dutchman might be more inclined to leave – especially as his club failed and found themselves in the Europa League.
The 23-year-old is primarily a left-winger but has replaced on the right for PSV. This is perhaps the position that interests Arteta the most, given that the Spaniard is looking for a replacement option for Bukayo Saka – although it cannot be ruled out that Gakpo fills the central position, with Gabriel Martinelli or Gabriel Jesus on the right.
Gakpo is valued at 27 million pounds per Transfer market (opens in a new tab).
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Arsenal are still looking for the ‘mystery winger’ to complete their squad, while a midfielder has also been touted.
After Nicolas Pepe has left the Gunners for more minutes on loan at Nice, manager Mikel Arteta says a desire to “add firepower”yet he cannot guarantee a new player will enter. The Gunners have an interest in Pedro Netoas good as a Ukrainian prodigy.
Mohamed Elneny’s injury means the midfield could also need strengthening. TFF reported months ago that personal conditions with Youri Tielemans have been agreedwith North Londoners needing only to agree a fee with Leicester: now an obstacle remains. In other news, Bukayo Saka has hinted that he was about to extend his contract.
