Arsenal reportedly want £45m World Cup ace likened to Bellingham, Real Madrid won't stand in their way
Arsenal have been linked with Netherlands star Cody Gakpo for a number of months now.
In October, The Athletic reported that the Gunners are among the clubs still chasing a deal for the 23-year-old.
However, with Gakpo dazzling at the World Cup, Arsenal could have a real battle on their hands.
The PSV Eindhoven star scored a goal in each of his nation’s group games.
Dennis Bergkamp, Wesley Sneijder and Johan Neeskens are the only other Dutch players to score in three consecutive World Cup matches.
Gakpo also impressed against the United States as the Netherlands ran out 3-1 winners to book a quarter-final slot.
As one of the World Cup’s breakout stars, the 23-year-old will likely have plenty of suitors for his services.
However, Real Madrid won’t be one of them, according to a report from Marca.
The Spanish outlet claims Los Blancos have decided not to make any moves in the January transfer window.
Apparently, Gakpo ‘has been linked and offered to Real Madrid.
‘But at no time has he appeared on the radar of the Madrid club’s decision makers.’
Good news for Arsenal and Gakpo’s other suitors, with the Bernabeu giants not standing in their way.
Arsenal reportedly sought a new winger late on in the summer, but failed to get a signing over the line.
Now, with the Gunners challenging for the Premier League title, they have more pulling power when it comes to big players.
Gakpo will no doubt be on the radar of many top clubs – and Arsenal will surely fancy their chances.
‘Lightning quick’
Back in April, I News wrote a scouting report about Gakpo, with an excerpt below.
‘At first glance, Gakpo feels like a cheat code of a footballer,’ they wrote of the £45million-rated ace.
‘He… has been a regular in PSV’s senior side for three years and captains them in the absence of Marco van Ginkel.
‘He can play as a centre-forward or as a winger, and tends to score goals when doing the former and create them when the latter.
‘He’s six foot two and slightly gangly but still elegant with the ball at feet – think Jude Bellingham – and lightning quick.’
