Transfer Centre

Manchester United-linked Cody Gakpo addresses transfer speculation

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 10 August 2022

Man United-linked Cody Gakpo addresses transfer speculation

PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo says that "there is definitely a chance" he will remain at his Dutch club amid reported interest from Manchester United.

PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo has said that "there is definitely a chance" he will remain with his Dutch club beyond the end of this summer's transfer window.

The 23-year-old was in strong form for PSV during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 21 goals and registering 15 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands international has also started the 2022-23 season in strong form, scoring three times and registering two assists in four appearances.

Gakpo has helped PSV reach the playoff round of the Champions League, with the Eredivisie outfit beating Ligue 1 side Monaco 4-3 on aggregate.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's side will now take on Rangers for a spot in the group stage, and there have been claims that the attacker's future will depend on whether his team qualify for the next round.

Cody Gakpo celebrating a goal for PSV Eindhoven in October 2021. © Reuters

Gakpo has said that it is "more likely" that he will remain with the Dutch club if they are able to navigate their way into the group stage of the European Cup.

"We must first focus on and try to make it to the Champions League," Gakpo told ESPN. "Then it is more likely that I will stay. I don't think I have said anywhere that I am leaving, so there is definitely a chance that I will stay.

"I'm open for a cup of coffee with the management - or coffee for them and water for me. We'll see how it goes."

The left-sided forward has represented his Dutch club on 138 occasions in all competitions, contributing 45 goals and 35 assists in the process.

As well as Man United, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have also been credited with an interest in the Dutchman, who could potentially be available for a fee in the region of £35m.

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag on July 31, 2022 © Reuters

Man United are determined to improve their attacking options for the 2022-23 campaign amid the ongoing speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's future.

Anthony Martial had been in line to start last weekend's season opener with Brighton & Hove Albion, but he missed out with a hamstring problem, while Ronaldo's lack of fitness saw Christian Eriksen play though the middle in what proved to be a 2-1 loss for the Red Devils.

The 20-time English champions have been strongly linked with Ajax attacker Antony this summer but appear to have been priced out of a deal for the Brazil international.

Man United are allegedly refusing to give up on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong despite the presence of Chelsea in the race for the Dutchman, while a deal for Juventus' Adrien Rabiot is said to be progressing.

Erik ten Hag's side will be bidding to bounce back from their opening-weekend loss to Brighton when they head to Brentford in Saturday's late start.