Pundit tells £35m goal machine to join Arsenal, he 'has everything'

Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on PSV winger Cody Gakpo.

Indeed, Voetbal International reports that the Gunners are currently leading the race for the 22-year-old.

Gakpo is attracting attention from across Europe.

He has enjoyed a superb season, scoring 16 goals and notching up 15 assists in all competitions.

VI notes that the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are all eyeing Gakpo.

However, Arsenal appear to be showing the most serious interest.

“No longer the Arsenal of the past”

Former PSV star Kenneth Perez believes Arsenal would be a great fit for Gakpo.

His reasoning is that, since the Gunners are now no longer a regular title challenger, they’d be a decent step up.

Perez told Dutch magazine Voetbal International, via Inside Futbol: “That would be a really good club for him.

“This is of course no longer the Arsenal of the past and they are between fifth and tenth place.

“They are still not there, but you just can’t look at league standings.

“Last year they finished tenth (sic). If they have a good year, they will finish fourth.”

Obviously Arsenal finished eighth last season, and Perez’s message could be deemed a backhanded compliment.

Nonetheless, he does have a point.

The Gunners aren’t expected to challenge for the title just yet, so there won’t be as much pressure on Gakpo.

A young player needing to get used to a different style of football and country will have more time to do so at Arsenal.

The Athletic recently reported that Gakpo extended his contract until 2026.

But although he does not have a release clause, PSV understand that he expects to go if a suitable offer comes in.

This appears to have put several clubs on alert.

The Athletic suggests that Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all now accelerated their interest in Gakpo.

The report adds that the asking price could potentially be as high as £42million.

However, offers of £35million are apparently being discussed amongst his admirers.

Former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen has also praised Gakpo.

He recently told Dutch publication NOS: “That boy (Gakpo) has everything.

“Fine feeling for the ball, a good through ball, dribbles and is strong between the lines.

“I really enjoy him. He is going to be an important player for the Orange squad.

“He is ready to be in the base of the Orange squad. I would definitely draft him.

“There are other options, but they are not as effective as him.”