Dutch World Cup star Cody Gakpo has said he is not in a haste to leave PSV Eindhoven, despite rumours linking him with high-profile transfers to clubs like Manchester United, and Arsenal.
Gakpo scored more than 20 goals for Dutch side PSV last season, and he has continued his excellent form this campaign, scoring 13 goals prior to the World Cup midseason break. The 23-year-old opened the scoring for the Netherlands against Senegal earlier this week and scored the first goal against Ecuador in Group A with a magnificent left-footed shot.
Gakpo was asked about the rumours surrounding his future before the game and said he was not in a hurry to leave PSV, despite the fact that he acknowledged he has seen numerous of his international team members thrive at bigger teams in Europe.
While speaking with Algemeen Dagblad, the Dutch star said:
‘I understand the mindset of those players. I also have my sporting goals myself and I will make a choice from there. ‘But it is certainly not the case that when I train here with players who play at big clubs abroad, I constantly think, “oh dear, now I also have to go abroad quickly.’
‘The idea that “they have all gone abroad, now I will too” is not there. But I do see players who have become even better and stronger abroad. I played with Dumfries and Bergwijn at PSV and those guys have already experienced it. They share their experiences just like Memphis. The level abroad is even higher, you hear that all the time.’
Surprisingly, Gakpo stated he spoke with new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag last summer about a transfer to Old Trafford. He stated in a previous interview that he was open to playing for United or their Premier League foes Manchester City and Liverpool.
Arsenal, who are currently in first place in the Premier League, has also been linked with a move for Gakpo as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s team.
