Real Madrid signing Mbappe may hand Arsenal a boost over Cody Gakpo

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At the weekend it appeared that Arsenal’s hopes of signing Cody Gakpo had passed them by, with the Daily Mirror reporting that he had agreed personal terms with Leeds ahead of the January transfer window.

The report from the Mirror noted that the Gunners had been tracking him for the last 12 months. And they had very good reason to.

Gakpo has been one of the in-form players in Europe this season. The 23-year-old – who has been labelled ‘special‘ – has already scored 13 goals and contributed 10 assists in 16 games in all competitions. And he could be available for just £30 million.

Within a few hours, The Athletic reported that Gakpo was actually not keen to join Leeds. And based on their start to the season – as well as his – you could understand why many may have more belief in that particular notion.

But there was another problem for the Gunners. That Athletic report suggested that Real Madrid was a possible destination for the youngster.

Arsenal may receive Cody Gakpo boost if Real Madrid sign Kylian Mbappe

Battling Los Blancos would not be easy for Arsenal. Carlo Ancelotti’s men are one of the most dominant sides in Europe and are the current Champions League holders.

But perhaps, reports on Tuesday suggest that Arsenal may receive a boost should they decide to make a January bid for Gakpo.

As noted by ESPN, Kylian Mbappe now wants to leave Paris Saint-Germain. And, crucially, his preference should he leave Parc des Princes is to join Real Madrid.

Real were heavily linked with Mbappe before he signed a new deal with PSG. So you would imagine that they would be very interested in a future move for the 23-year-old.

However, he will, unsurprisingly, not come cheap. In fact, the Telegraph reports that he could cost up to £306 million.

One of Mbappe’s main frustrations is the fact that PSG did not sign a central striker and he has had to play as a number nine. His preferred role is playing out on the left.

Gakpo has shone in that role on the left this season. So if Real are going to sign Mbappe, surely they will completely forget about the idea of signing Gakpo.

Obviously, there are likely to be other admirers. But with Arsenal top of the Premier League table and clearly on the verge of a special era, moving to the Emirates may well end up right near the top of Gakpo’s wishlist.