Report: Leeds now aware Cody Gakpo doesn’t want to join Whites

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Cody Gakpo is believed to be no longer keen on joining Leeds United, despite the two clubs edging closer to an agreement in recent weeks, according to a report from The Athletic.

Gakpo has been heavily linked with an Elland Road switch in the last few months. The Daily Mirror noted that the Whites had sent a private jet on the final day of the summer transfer window to try and seal a deal for the forward.

Ultimately, they were unsuccessful. But it seemed that Leeds were not throwing in the towel. In fact, it seemed that an agreement was edging closer.

The Mirror reported at the weekend that personal terms had been agreed with Leeds. And with that, the Whites were in discussions with PSV Eindhoven over a fee, with the 23-year-old valued at £30 million.

It does appear that Leeds are indeed working behind the scenes to sign Gakpo. However, it may have been premature to suggest that personal terms are sorted.

Gakpo not keen to join Leeds

The Athletic reports that the agreement which was close was between Leeds and PSV. Gakpo however, is not keen to move to Elland Road.

The club had hoped that Gakpo – who has been labelled ‘special‘ – would warm to the idea of moving to Leeds. But he has now set his sights higher. And Victor Orta is now aware of his desire to head elsewhere.

Real Madrid are a possible option. Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly been tracking Gakpo for 12 months.

It is hard to be too critical of Leeds. Their top target in the summer, as confirmed by Andrea Radrizzani, was Charles De Ketelaere. And by the time De Ketelaere’s move to AC Milan was finalised, it was seemingly too late to convince Gakpo to leave.

Perhaps they should have been prepared for De Ketelaere to snub them sooner.

What is clear is that without knowing every little detail that went on behind the scenes, plenty of Leeds fans will be incredibly frustrated to now see that the chance to sign Gakpo has probably passed them by.