Transfer Talk: Premier League trio lead Gakpo chase

Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal have all contacted PSV winger Cody Gakpo about a Premier League switch.

Netherlands international Gakpo, 22, has lit up the Eredivisie this season with 22 direct goal involvements (nine goals, 13 assists) in as many appearances.

Reports in the player’s homeland suggest the 6ft 2in trickster is ready to test himself at a higher level, with Bayern Munich also among his admirers.

However, incoming PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is keen for Gakpo to stay put at his hometown club for at least one more season. 

Ex-Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy, 45, takes over the reins from current manager Roger Schmidt this summer and enjoys a strong relationship with the starlet.

Earlier this month, Gakpo told journalists: “Van Nistelrooy was my striker trainer in the academy. I have learned a lot from him and I look up to him. 

“He’s spoken to me about how to finish in certain situations and it helped me a lot. He gave me some tricks on shooting and keeping my options open. 

“Shoot low and hard, not beautiful and high. A goal is a goal, you know. I am grateful he did.” 

It is thought PSV value their talisman at around £33million — an amount which would represent their largest ever transfer fee received.

While a sizeable amount of money, that price tag is unlikely to put off Europe’s elite.

Gakpo signed a new contract in January which runs until 2026, though that may now only serve as a bargaining tool come the end of the campaign.

In other news

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says Real Madrid remain at the front of the queue to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger when his contract expires.

Sky Sports say that West Ham have no intention of selling star midfielder Declan Rice for any price this summer, with the England international contracted until 2025.