-Cody Gakpo has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer but PSV are doing all they can to keep him at the club this season with special financial rewards in place.
– PSV are hoping to keep Cody Gakpo at the club by creating a special financial package as they fend off interest from several high-profile European sides, including Arsenal.
According to Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad, PSV have devised a scheme which would include a wage bonus and enticing contractual promises. PSV chiefs are prepared to elevate his status in the squad to keep him in the Netherlands by making him their most-important asset.
The outlet adds that when Gakpo leaves next season, he could earn a bonus over his own transfer. This means if he stays for the time being and a bidding club is willing to pay €40million (£34m), Gakpo can collect a considerable part of the transfer fee himself.
Gakpo still has four years left on his contract at PSV, which could make it difficult for potential buyers to prise him away from the Dutch club. Although technical director John de Jong indicated earlier this week that there are no concrete offers on the table, there is expected to be at least one this summer.
It is understood Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in the highly-rated 23-year-old winger, who scored 21 goals and provided 15 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season. The Gunners are looking for some more firepower and depth across the front line and have touted Gakpo as a possible addition.
The Netherlands international mainly operates on the left wing but can also feature on the other flank or through the centre. There have been some suggestions Gabriel Martinelli could be used as a central striker next season, leaving space for Gakpo on the left with Emile Smith Rowe as suitable competition.
Arsenal will certainly need reinforcements in attack as Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are poised to depart at the expiry of their contracts next month.
Last week, Gakpo spoke about his future and admitted he is still unsure about where he will be playing his football next season. He also claimed if he was to leave PSV, it would be to a club which would guarantee him regular minutes ahead of the World Cup later this year.
“Anything can happen this summer,” he told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf. “I will now calmly compare all the options and see what is best for me. Staying another year is also an option. It would be a shame if I went somewhere where I wouldn’t get a job at all and I could miss the World Cup. I’ll keep that in mind.”
