Arsenal could provide one of the shocks of the January transfer window and secure a deal for PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo to replace the injured Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian forward was ruled out of the World Cup at the end of last week, with it initially believed he would only be absent for a few weeks.
It has now been reported he needs surgery on a knee injury, something which could see him miss several months of the campaign if he and the Gunners are unlucky.
A replacement will need to be sourced in January if Arsenal are to continue to build on their impressive first half of the campaign, which has them sitting top of the table.
Jesus has been a key part of that and losing him without an adequate replacement, Eddie Nketiah is yet to show he is anywhere near the Brazilian, is a major blow and it would be a mistake to not move next month.
Step forward Cody Gakpo, who could be the ideal man to fill the gap. Arsenal have a longstanding interest in the Dutchman, having been linked with his signature long before the hype train started running.
They were said to be interested in him all the way back in January and there were numerous reports across this year, particularly in the build up to the summer, linking them with an effort.
Then in May it was said Gakpo was at the top of their list of targets, with their interest having only ‘strengthened’ as he continued to impress.
No move happened but there is a pressing need now and it would make sense for Arsenal to finally back up their clear interest.
While the Dutchman would be a comfortable replacement as the central striker, a role he is flourishing in for PSV and the Netherlands, he can also play on the right and the left.
That would be a boost for Arsenal, who need competition for both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in those roles but also may need to replace them before too long. The latter’s current deal runs out in 2024 and he is being watched by big clubs, including Barcelona.
The deal could also provide them with the perfect mid-season boost to really push for the title, especially if they were essentially stealing a player that Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have all been linked to.
Getting Gakpo won’t be cheap, of course, but the interest in him is there and Jesus’ injury should have those in charge at the Emirates seriously thinking about him.
