‘Was told to keep an eye out’: Arsenal want exciting £38m winger, it’d be ‘smooth business’ – Sky journalist

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Sky Sports journalist Melissa Reddy says she’s been “told to keep an eye out” for Arsenal in the race to sign Cody Gakpo.

The Gunners have enjoyed a fruitful transfer window. They have signed five new players including Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Arsenal have also impressed in the early days of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign. Mikel Arteta’s charges have won all four of their games so far.

The transfer window is now heading into the latter stages. And the Gunners are reportedly stepping up their efforts for a winger and/or a midfielder.

Arsenal have finally offloaded Nicolas Pepe, while an injury to Mohamed Elneny has left them short in central midfield.

So there could yet be some late new arrivals at the Emirates Stadium in the coming days.

“A lot of Premier League clubs are looking at him”

Reddy, speaking on The Transfer Show today, discussed the speculation surrounding Gakpo.

“Southampton have had a bid rejected, Newcastle have been circling, there’s talk of Leeds registering interests,” began the Sky Sports journalist.

“The thing with Gakpo and the reason United were looking at him, as well as being an exciting player, is that it would be smooth business to get done.

“And PSV have always said they can’t hold onto their key targets if big clubs come in with good money.

“He profiles very similarly to Sadio Mane with and without the ball, the data shows he’s quite a similar mould of player.

“United looked at Mane in 2016 and have always been trying to find that kind of player.

“It’s not surprising a lot of Premier League clubs are looking at him.

“One of the other names I was told to keep an eye out for are Arsenal, who would like to enhance their offensive options.

“His people feel pretty confident given the amount of clubs looking at him.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if he’s unveiled at a Premier League club before Thursday.”

Can Arsenal land Thierry Henry-like talent?

Fabrizio Romano has previously claimed that Gakpo has a price tag of between £33.5m and £38m.

The 23-year-old primarily plays on the left wing, but can also feature on the right flank, at centre-forward, and at No. 10.

A report from Soccerlink in the Netherlands claims that Arsenal’s scouts were reminded of club legend Thierry Henry when they watched Gakpo against Ajax in last season’s cup final.

He ticks a lot of boxes for Arsenal, so the Gunners really ought to make a move.