Cody Gakpo urged to join Arsenal instead of Manchester United

Arsenal are just one of the many teams reportedly keeping tabs on Netherlands star Cody Gakpo.

As well as the Gunners, you have the likes of Manchester United apparently in pursuit too.

However, Netherlands cult hero Ryan Babel believes Gakpo should opt for Arsenal ahead of other suitors.

That includes Liverpool, one of Babel’s former teams.

Gakpo has been in fine form at the 2022 World Cup, scoring in each of his nation’s three 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.

‘Arsenal suits his style of play best’

As one of the World Cup’s breakout stars, the 23-year-old will likely have plenty of suitors for his services.

And Babel, speaking to Dutch outlet Soccer News, believes Arsenal would be best for Gakpo.

“I’m just an outsider, of course, but I don’t know if United would be the right team for Cody Gakpo,” he said, via Sport Witness.

“I’d rather think of a team like Arsenal then – or maybe even Liverpool.

“But I think Arsenal suits his style of play best.

“All young footballers together, no real star player and a good, young coach who has been a footballer himself.

“At United, the atmosphere is different, a bit tense and just… different, and that could influence him.

“But again: of course, I am ‘only’ an outsider, so I judge only by what I see and my own experience in the Premier League.

“Players have to decide for themselves what they do, but Arsenal would suit him.”

Arsenal fans will hope that Gakpo will read/hear Babel’s comments and take them on board when it comes to his next move.

With the Gunners flying high and showing great ambition, the £45million ace will no doubt thrive at the Emirates were he to join.