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Cody Gakpo has strongly hinted that he could stay at PSV Eindhoven for another season, although he also admits that ‘anything can happen this summer’ amid speculation Arsenal want to bring him to the Premier League.
THE LOWDOWN: POLE POSITION
Gakpo has had quite the season for PSV Eindhoven, also recently winning the Eredivisie Golden Shoe award for best player in the Dutch top-flight.
And according to Dutch journalist Marco Timmer, Arsenal are in pole position to sign the wonderkid this summer.
“An intermediate step on his way to the absolute top of European football seems to be his preference,” Timmer said.
“At the moment, Arsenal are in pole position, but nothing is definitive.
“PSV are aiming for at least forty million euros (around £33m).”
However, the Eindhoven-born star is aware of the speculation over his future and will consider his options, although he seems in no rush to leave PSV.
THE LATEST: ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
“Anything can happen this summer,” Gakpo told De Telegraaf.
“I will now calmly compare all the options and see what is best for me. Staying another year is also an option.
“It would be a shame if I went somewhere where I wouldn’t get a game at all and I could miss the World Cup. I’ll keep that in mind.
“I have been with PSV since I was six. I have been coming here almost every day for seventeen years. PSV is almost my second home. I also consider my love for the club in the decision I ultimately make.”
THE VERDICT: MAKE KEY PLAYER
Gakpo’s verdict on his playing time ahead of the World Cup in November is certainly warranted, hence his revelation at potentially staying in his hometown.
However, if the forward was to remain another year in Holland, it would be an incredible blow to potential suitors including Arsenal.
If the Gunners are serious about signing him up this summer, they must make him a key player in the squad and provide him with the assurances he needs, because he is a stunning talent and a player worth building a squad around.
The north London outfit are in desperate need of more firepower in attack and the £22.5m-rated assist machine could provide the attacking weaponry they crave in abundance.
In fact, he is perfectly capable as playing as a lone-frontman so Mikel Arteta could certainly mould him into his very own Thierry Henry-type forward.
Over his 26 Eredivisie appearances this campaign, the four-time Netherlands international forward has been in sensational form for PSV, scoring 12 goals, and laying on 13 assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of three shots and making 2.5 key passes per game, highlighting his incredible influence in the attacking third.
Such metrics have seen the £7.4k-per-week talisman dubbed by journalist Agragami a “serious talent” and also a player who “has everything” as expressed by ex-Dutch international midfielder Theo Janssen.
Possessing searing pace, acceleration, upper-body strength, vision and a consistent threat in front of goal, the Dutch sensational could provide Arsenal with the added dynamism and attacking threat they desperately need to reach that next level for years to come.
AND in other news, “In the coming weeks” – Romano issues exciting Arsenal transfer news on £45m-rated hitman…
