Report: Arsenal and Leeds missed out on ‘special’ player on deadline day thanks to straight-talking manager

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Cody Gakpo seems to be one that got away for a number of clubs this summer, as the likes of Arsenal, Leeds, Everton and Manchester United all missed out.

The impressive Dutch winger seemed to be on his way out of PSV as the deadline loomed. However, Gakpo agreed to stay in Eindhoven in the end, despite the likes of Leeds flying out to personally try and convince him to sign ahead of the deadline.

However, it might not have all been down to Gakpo as to why he didn’t move to England. According to a report from The Athletic, a personal intervention from a certain Louis van Gaal is thought to have changed the mind of Gakpo.

The Athletic reports how Van Gaal is said to have warned Gakpo of the negative connotations of a move to the Premier League, and warned him how only playing regular minutes would ensure he is firmly part of the the Dutchman’s plans for the World Cup in just a few months’ time.

Gakpo, then, seems to taken those words of wisdom on board and listened to Van Gaal. As we know from his time in charge of Man United, the experienced coach is not averse to giving an opinion on anything and everything.

TBR’s View: Gakpo Might Have Played A Blinder

You have to say that Van Gaal might have a point here. Gakpo needs to be playing to get into the Dutch squad for Qatar and Premier League squads are so big that he might have had to bide his time.

It could prove a smart decision from the young winger, who might well enjoy another fine season in the Eredivisie and add even further value to his growing status in the game.

It remains to be seen, but the likes of Leeds and Arsenal might well regret not being able to land Gakpo as the season draws on.