Arsenal face wait to land PSV Eindhoven and Holland star that ‘has everything’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may have to show patience if he wishes to land his latest transfer target.

The Gunners boss is believed to be keen on adding PSV Eindhoven’s highly-rated forward Cody Gakpo to his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

But reports in Holland have suggested the Eredivisie club are determined to hold on to their prized asset, despite significant interest from major clubs around Europe.

Dutch outlet Dagblad have suggested PSV are keen to retain Gakpo’s services as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League qualifiers.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side missed out on the Eredivisie title by three points but will still get an opportunity to secure a place in the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition over the next six weeks.

PSV will face French club Monaco in a two-legged third qualifying round tie over the first two weeks of August as they look to join league champions Ajax in the group stage.

That potentially money-spinning tie has strengthened their resolve to hold on to Gakpo and Dagblad have reported the club ‘do not want to do business at the moment’.

Gakpo has attracted the attention of a number of clubs across Europe after scoring 42 goals and providing 33 assists in his 134 appearances for PSV over the last four years.

He was handed a maiden call-up to the Dutch senior squad in June last year and made his debut alongside the likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay in a 3-0 win over Macedonia in the Euro 2020 group stage.

He has gone on to earn a further six caps and scored his second senior goal in Holland’s 3-2 win against Wales in a Nations League game last month.

Gakpo’s form for club and country saw him receive praise from former Holland midfielder Theo Janssen as he told Dutch publication NOS: “That boy has everything.

“Fine feeling for the ball, a good through ball, dribbles and is strong between the lines. I really enjoy him. He is going to be an important player for the Orange squad.

“He is ready to be in the base of the Orange squad. I would definitely draft him. There are other options, but they are not as effective as him.”

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Liverpool have also been linked with a move for the talented forward.