‘Incredible’ Arsenal urged to sign £52m Man Utd-linked forward to enhance Arteta’s ‘project’

Jason Soutar
Reported Arsenal target Cody Gakpo celebrates his goal

Arsenal would be an “incredible team” for PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo to join, according to former Netherlands international Ryan Babel.

Gakpo is bound to be on the move in 2023.

He is currently with the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar and has two goals in as many games as his side sit top of Group A with a game left.

In 24 matches across all competitions at club level this season, the 23-year-old has an impressive 13 goals and 17 assists,

The PSV talisman was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League last summer.

Southampton, Leeds United and Everton all made an attempt to sign him.

However, there is also interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal, and given his incredible form for club and country this year, he will probably join a club of that calibre.

Gakpo’s compatriot Ryan Babel has said the player’s price could rise throughout the World Cup and is hoping to see him join his former club Liverpool.

However, Babel thinks Arsenal would be an “incredible” move for Gakpo.

Babel told The Athletic: “We’re seeing a lot of interest in Gakpo around Europe and a lot of rumours about what he does next.

“He’s 23 and I’m curious to see if PSV can hold onto him until the end of the season.

“They are third in the Eredivisie but three points off the top. If they want to win the league they will need to keep him as he’s assisting, he’s scoring, and he’s always involved with his team’s attacks.

“You see him linked to clubs in England, such as Manchester United. Everyone has the right price so let’s see how he develops in the tournament.

“He has shown enough quality that he is ready for the next step, whether it’s in January or next summer.

“As a Liverpool fan, I would tell him to go to Liverpool if they make an approach!

“Arsenal would also be an incredible team for him, with the current manager and the project that they’re building.

“He has to follow his heart.”

Babel continued: “When you are a young Dutch player, it is flattering to be linked to big clubs in England, but going from the Dutch league to the Premier League is a big step.

“Not every player is able to adapt and able to survive in the Premier League. There are a lot of players who are written as the next star, then they go to the Premier League and they can’t cope.

“Dutch mentality is different to English mentality, and you have to learn a new set of rules.

“In terms of pace, physicality, and the different game styles both you and the opponent will play week-to-week. Also the travelling, the preparation, it’s a lot to deal with.”

French outlet Foot Mercato recently stated that Gakpo’s €45million (£38.9m) summer valuation has gone up to €60m (£51.8m) ahead of the winter window.

Gakpo is a natural winger but has played through the middle for the Netherlands in Qatar.

Should he show he can hold his own as a No. 9, Manchester United could go for him with Cristiano Ronaldo now a free agent.

Erik ten Hag is expected to buy a new striker in January following Ronaldo’s exit, with his initial plan being to sign one at the end of the season.

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