Arsenal Back in Cody Gakpo transfer race as Edu plots £38m offer amid Premier League rival bid

 Cody Gakpo has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer and Arsenal could be swooping in very soon

MIKEL ARTETA ON WHETHER FFP WILL IMPACT ARSENAL'S TRANSFER BUSINESS

Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Cody Gakpo as Mikel Arteta looks to further strengthen his frontline before the transfer window slams shut. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, and the Gunners are preparing a last push for his signature.

Last month, football.london understood that Mikel Arteta's side are one of several clubs in England who are interested in the PSV winger. The Athletic have since named Everton, Leeds United and Southampton as the other candidates in the race for Gakpo.

It's said that the Saints are the only club who have made a concrete approach for the Netherlands international, but the Dutch giants turned down their offer. That could have been the wake-up call technical director Edu needed in order to sign Gakpo

Mikel Arteta ideal Arsenal transfer met with rival interest that sets up perfect Edu redemption

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal could be rejoining the hunt to sign the winger who idolises Gunners icon Thierry Henry. Speaking to The Sun back in April, Gakpo was honest in his admiration for English football.

He said: "The Premier League is a big league. Virgil van Dijk plays there with Liverpool, so I like to watch them. We are not in the same kind of league, but I think we try to look at the Prem and learn about it.

"Everybody wants to play one time in the Prem," Gakpo added. "I don't favour one team, but I like Arsenal a lot. I looked up to Henry when I was younger because he was a tall guy who played on the wing."

With a move on the cards, Fabrizio Romano states that PSV value Gakpo between €40million (£34m) and €45million (£38m). While the Emirates Stadium may be a more attractive proposition, football.london understands that Gakpo's current priority is to make the Netherlands' 2022 Qatar World Cup squad.

Arsenal have already signed Brazilian winger Marquinhos and striker Gabriel Jesus this summer. They could both be seen as roadblocks by Gakpo for first-team opportunities.