Transfer Profile: Cody Gakpo
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Transfer Profile: Cody Gakpo
The next name in our transfer profile series takes us to the Eredivisie and exciting youngster Cody Gakpo.
The forward has emerged as the next in a growing conveyor belt of gifted Dutch starlets who look set to continue the nation's illustrious footballing tradition.
Though the 22-year-old is of a slightly different mould to some of his predecessors, not just in stature but in his direct play.
Let’s take a look at what makes him so special and what he could bring to Mikel Arteta’s promising side.
Who is he?
Gakpo made his debut for his hometown side PSV Eindhoven in 2018 after graduating from their youth side.
Standing at an imposing 6”2 inches, the forward has been deployed in all three of the forward positions and was part of the squad which claimed the Eredivisie title in 2017-18.
Gakpo has already featured 92 times for the club in the Dutch top-flight, netting 27 goals in the process.
The youngster's fine performances earned him a call up to the national team - for the delayed Euro 2020.
That honour, which came in their final group stage match against North Macedonia, made him the first Netherlands player to make a maiden appearance in the European Championships in 41 years.
He has since gone on to make seven appearances for Oranje, scoring on two occasions.
Like many of his peers in world football, Gakpo is adept in various facets of attacking play, particularly when taking on opponents.
He has also shown himself to be an elite facilitator having contributed 27 assists in his time with the Eindhoven first team.
The Dutch ace also has a flair for set pieces and regularly takes responsibility in dead ball situations.
Gakpo's starring turn last term, where he netted 12 times and laid on 13 assists for his teammates, saw him claim the converted 2021-22 Dutch Footballer of the Year award.
The first PSV player to win the prize since Georginio Wijnaldum in 2014-15.
What will he bring?
Plain and simple Gakpo will bring a new dimension to Arteta’s exciting squad.
The Spaniard spoke earlier in the year about his desire to make his team ‘unpredictable’, an ambition that will only be aided by the powerful forward’s addition.
Not only is he different in build to the Gunners current roster of attacking options but his style of play would also gel well with Arsenal’s philosophy.
Gakpo’s imposing frame allows him to hold off defenders and makes him a powerful runner whilst his agility and acceleration make him a threat with the ball at his feet.
Coming from the historically tactically astute Dutch footballing school, the youngster is comfortable in a variety of line-ups and would likely adapt quickly to Arteta’s instructions.
With a stronger right foot, Gakpo often prefers to cut inside from the left side though he is also flexible enough to play on the other flank.
Verdict
Of all the players linked with a move to the Emirates this summer Gakpo is one of the most exciting names to come through the rumour mill.
A young forward in a small league several years before his peak, is exactly the profile of player Arteta and Edu have eyed in this window.
And with the tactical dexterity and positional flexibility that the youngster provides, his signing would be a terrific piece of business.
Consider the reported transfer fee of around £35 million and he would be a worthy alternative to the likes of Alexander Isak, who has long been linked with the Gunners.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
