Arsenal show interest in PSV Eindhoven’s Gakpo

Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo.

The Gunners were strongly linked with a move for the Dutchman earlier in the window after his goal-laden performances in his homeland during the 2021-22 season.

Gakpo hit 21 goals and set up 15 more in 47 appearances across all competitions for PSV, including 12 goals and 13 assists from 27 Eredivisie appearances.

Only Dusan Tadic (19) set up more goals than Gakpo in the Dutch top flight last season, and he also captained PSV during their run to the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.

However, with Gabriel Jesus, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira all arriving in North London, the Gunners had seemingly cooled their interest in the 23-year-old.

Now, Dutch outlet VI claims that Arsenal’s interest in Gakpo has been rekindled, but Mikel Arteta’s side still have a fight on their hands to prise the attacker away from PSV.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are due to take on Monaco in the third qualifying round of the Champions League on August 2 and 9 respectively and are reportedly not willing to part ways with Gakpo before those matches.

PSV are still intending to keep hold of Gakpo for the 2022-23 season, but the Dutch outfit could be persuaded into a sale during the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

The Netherlands international would command a hefty figure to leave, though, as he extended his contract with PSV – whom he has represented for 15 years – until 2026 back in January.

Gakpo has amassed 42 goals and 33 assists in 134 games for PSV since rising through their youth ranks, winning one Eredivisie title, one KNVB-Beker and one Johan Cruijff Schaal.

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Earlier this year, Gakpo talked up his admiration for Arsenal amid rumours of a possible summer move, telling reporters: “The Premier League is a big league. Virgil van Dijk plays there with Liverpool so I like to watch them,” as quoted by FourFourTwo.

“We are not the same kind of league but I think we try to look at the Prem and learn about it. Everybody wants to play one time in the Prem. I don’t favour one team but I like Arsenal a lot. I looked up to Henry when I was younger because he was a tall guy who played on the wing.”