Arsenal’s 6 striker transfer targets this summer – ranked

2. Cody Gakpo – PSV Eindhoven

PSV Eindhoven have a serious talent on their hands. But only for a few more matches as if there is anything certain about the summer transfer window it’s that Cody Gakpo will be on the move.

The Dutchman is tall (6’2″), physically imposing, has outstanding dribbling ability in big and small spaces and boasts frightening pace. The majority of which he demonstrates playing out on the left for PSV, which is why there is some intrigue about Arsenal’s interest.

While he’s dabbled with playing centre-forward during his career, the prospect of him being there long-term is one to get excited about. He is built like a striker and has every raw attribute needed to succeed in the role. The fact that one of his idols growing up was Thierry Henry, and that Arsenal are interested, hints towards a positional change long-term.

But it would take time. He would be more of a project for the time being. With two wide players on the left in Martinelli and Smith Rowe, the platform is there for Gakpo to get multiple minutes at No. 9 or swap around with Martinelli. Arteta wants players who can play across multiple positions in the forward line and Gakpo (LW, ST) with Martinelli (LW, ST) and Smith Rowe (LW, No. 8) provide options to do so.

Gakpo would need a season of acclimatisation but with Arsenal wanting to sign two strikers there is that opportunity. Someone with his elite ball striking, mobility, pace and technical craft makes him an ideal fit for Arteta’s positional play, as forwards who can play on the exterior and interior are highly suitable to the system.

He of course isn’t perfect yet and would need further coaching on his economy of touches and finding a balance between his movement when moved centrally, but this 22-year-old is a special talent waiting to be unleashed in the Premier League.

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