Arsenal lead Liverpool and Manchester City for the signing of Cody Gakpo, but a summer move would be “dangerous” for the winger, one observer has claimed.
The PSV Eindhoven star has announced himself as one of the most promising wingers in Europe this season with his form. Following 18 goals and 15 assists, he is on an exciting career trajectory and is perhaps destined for bigger things.
Indeed, Arsenal and Liverpool have long had links with a move for the 22-year-old. However, Bayern Munich and now Manchester City are also reportedly in the race.
Gakpo tellingly revealed recently that he watches Premier League football to better his own game. He added that Arsenal are one of the teams he watches most.
And, according to Dutch outlet PSV Fans, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have shown the most interest in Gakpo ahead of their rivals.
However, former Ajax, PSV and Werder Bremen manager Aad de Mos has said that a summer move would be the wrong choice for the winger. The 75-year-old Dutchman instead urged the player to extend his contract.
De Mos told the Twee Viertje podcast: “If I was his agent, I would extend the contract at PSV.
“He is injury prone, has to prove himself immediately. I think it is too dangerous if he would go now. If he ends up on the bench, he might miss the World Cup. I think he should stay another year.
“It’s up to his management and Gakpo himself whether they can resist a big contract.
“Maybe they will give him guarantees, but in reality, that is never the case. If you don’t perform, they can’t draft you. There is huge competition.
“He still needs to become consistent and get that stability. I think one thing is very important: that he comes in an attacking team. Arsenal is a good one for that. Bayern Munich too, for sure.”
Gakpo has transfer decision to make
Gakpo made his Netherlands debut at Euro 2020 last summer in a 3-0 group stage win over North Macedonia.
He now has four caps to his name and is among the likes of Tottenham’s Steven Bergwijn, Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma and Memphis Depay of Barcelona all fighting for a spot at the World Cup in November.
Gakpo only signed a new contract in January and his current terms therefore run until the summer of 2026.
What’s more, former Manchester United attacker Ruud van Nistlerooy is to become PSV’s new head coach this summer, which could swing Gakpo’s decision either way.