Report: Arsenal to miss out on Cody Gakpo; terms with Leeds agreed

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The Daily Mirror is reporting that Arsenal are about to miss out on signing Cody Gakpo, with Leeds United agreeing personal terms with the PSV Eindhoven star ahead of the January transfer window.

It may be a little while until the winter window opens, but it seems that Leeds are looking to steal a march on a number of Premier League sides by getting one huge piece of business done early.

Of course, Gakpo was heavily linked with a move to England in the summer. At one stage, reports from Foot Mercato claimed that he was the name at the very top of the Gunners’ wishlist.

Arsenal miss out on Gakpo; Leeds personal terms agreed

Ultimately, Leeds made the final bid to sign the forward before the deadline. As noted by the Daily Mirror, they sent a private jet to the Netherlands in the last few hours in the hope of securing his signature.

Gakpo stayed put. And he has since gone on to show what many are missing. The 23-year-old has already scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in 15 games in all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, the chase to sign him in January is already underway.

In fact, it may already be over.

The Daily Mirror reports that Leeds are now in talks with PSV Eindhoven over his £30 million asking price. They have already agreed personal terms with Gakpo himself.

The report notes that Arsenal have been monitoring Gakpo for a year. Meanwhile, Manchester United are another side who will miss out if Leeds get their man.

Leeds supporters will likely be in a state of disbelief. Gakpo is a ‘perfect‘ talent. It says a lot that so many Premier League sides are interested. And his record this season is outrageous.

The Mirror does not hold back when it comes to suggesting how far the line the deal is. So it does appear entirely possible that a move may be in the pipeline.

There will surely be plenty of twists to come.

Obviously, it is too soon to say whether Arsenal have what it takes to challenge Manchester City for the title. But if they do find themselves in the conversation in January, they will be on the lookout for a marquee signing or two that provide that lift.

Perhaps Leeds are closing in on a deal. But Whites fans will likely have little confidence at this stage that the path to his signature will prove to be so smooth.