Manchester United have declared an interest in PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo, joining the race for the forward amid reported interest from both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in the wide man.
The Red Devils are desperately hunting for additions to their frontline, with Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Anthony Elanga, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo the only recognised options at present.
They were linked with a move for Benjamin Sesko, but the RB Salzburg striker has opted to remain in Austria for another year, confirming that he will join RB Leipzig in 2023.
#RBLeipzig confirm the signing of Benjamin Šeško! 🔴⚪
The 19-year-old will join the club in summer 2023 🤝#WeAreLeipzig
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) August 9, 2022
As a result, the Red Devils have been forced to look elsewhere. They are keen on veteran forward Marko Arnautovic, but Bologna are currently not inclined to sell their main man, with the Italian side’s Sporting director Marco di Vaio telling the media that “We want to keep him at Bologna as president said, he’s key part of our project – there’s not even price tag”.
Now, it seems as though Erik ten Hag is returning to his old stomping ground as he lines up a move for another Dutchman.
Going for Gakpo
Accortding to ESPN, Manchester United have registered an interest in PSV winger Cody Gakpo, though they have stopped short of making a bid.
Arsenal and Nottingham Forest are also thought to hold an interest in the Eindhoven man, who scored twice in his side’s 4-1 opening day win over FC Emmen at the weekend.
FC Utrecht v PSV – Dutch Eredivisie UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS – MARCH 13: Cody Gakpo of PSV during the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Utrecht v PSV at the Stadium Galgenwaard on March 13, 2022 in Utrecht Netherlands (Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images)
However, the report adds, ‘he would be keen to move to United if terms are agreed’.
He is valued at £35m by his current side, and it is unlikely that PSV will settle for less, with the forward having plenty of time left on his current contract in the Netherlands.
Able to play both as a wide forward and centrally, he could well kill two birds with one stone for the struggling Red Devils.
A deal may accelerate depending on the outcome of PSV’s Champions League third round qualifier, with the second round to be played on Tuesday evening and the score level at 1-1 with French side Monaco.