Journalist Charles Watts believes that Arsenal must have considered a possible transfer for Cody Gakpo this summer.
It’s no secret that the Gunners are in the market for a new winger in the current transfer market. Indeed, not that long ago they failed in an attempt to sign Raphinha – who eventually opted to join Barcelona instead for a fee reported to be €65m (£55m).
For that reason, it is likely that Arsenal are still on the look out for a player of a similar mould an Gakpo is one that has been linked in the past with a possible €40m (£33.9m) move.
When asked about the possibility of signing the PSV winger during a Q&A on his YouTube channel, Watts said he’d be ‘stunned’ if Mikel Arteta and co hadn’t considered him as an option, even if no deal is currently close.
He explained: “Obviously lots of speculation with him – has been all summer. But I’ve heard nothing concrete about Arsenal potentially going from.
“You know, he’s a very talented player who plays in a position that Arsenal are looking to strengthen, so I’d be stunned if he wasn’t someone that they considered at some point this summer.
“But in terms of actually sort of moving things on and really sort of laying down concrete interest in going for him I haven’t heard anything on that yet.
“But you never know, it might be something that materialises between now and the end of the window.”
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TIF thoughts on Cody Gakpo and Arsenal…
With Arsenal evidently in the market for a new winger, they likely will have a number of targets on a list but it remains to be seen as to who they see as a priority following the failed attempt to sign Raphinha from Leeds United.
There is belief that winger Nicolas Pepe is also up for sale this summer and so any incoming may be dependant on his sale, which could explain why it’s not yet clear who the Gunners do want to sign. Even so, judging from Watts’ comments, Gakpo is probably somewhere on the list.
Still only just 23 years old, the Dutchman has good experience in Europe, playing in both the Europa League as well as the Champions League and is scored 21 goals last season. With that sort of calibre it certainly wouldn’t come as a shock if Arsenal did end up making a a move for the winger.