This season, Arsenal will fight hard to maintain their Premier League title. After 14 games, Mikel Arteta’s squad is five points ahead of second-place Manchester City.
Ryan Babel would prefer it if Cody Gakpo chose Arsenal over Manchester United. The attacker for PSV Eindhoven has been on fire recently for both his club and country. The 23-year-old Gakpo was eliminated from the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday when the Netherlands lost to Argentina. But he was lauded for his outstanding performances with the Oranje.
This summer, the Red Devils were linked to bringing the Dutchman to Old Trafford. They are still the favourites to swoop in and sign him in 2023. Nonetheless, Babel believes Arsenal or Liverpool would be better fitting for Gakpo.
What did Ryan Babel say about Cody Gakpo to Arsenal?
According to a report from The Hard Tackle, Babel told Soccer News that his countryman may not be a good fit for Manchester United.
“Of course, I’m just an outsider, but I don’t know if United would be the right team for Cody Gakpo. I’m thinking more of a team like Arsenal – or maybe even Liverpool. But I think Arsenal best suits his playing style: all young footballers together, no real star player, and a good, young coach who has also been a footballer himself (Mikel Arteta, ed.),” said Babel.
He added: “At United, the atmosphere is different, a bit tense and just … different, and that could affect him. But again, I am, of course, ‘just’ an outsider. So I will only judge from what I see and my own experience in the Premier League. Players have to decide for themselves what they do. But Arsenal would suit him.”
Gakpo has contributed to 17 goals and 13 goals for PSV this season in 24 total games.
Dusan Vlahovic to the Emirates Stadium?
According to Calciomercato through The Hard Tackle, Arsenal is the frontrunner in the pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic. Following Juventus’ recent off-field difficulties, the future of the Serbian attacker is uncertain. This January, the Bianconeri want to cash in on the 22-year-old. The Gunners are ready to bring him to the Emirates.
At the beginning of the year, the north London club was interested in signing Vlahovic. But the midfielder ultimately decided to transfer to Turin. Even though Arteta signed Gabriel Jesus during the summer, he is still considering a move for the Serb. After learning that the Brazilian would be out for a significant portion of the season due to injury, Arteta has once again resorted to the 22-year-old.
Even after his dismal performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Vlahovic is still a highly sought-after player. If he moves to the Emirates in the new year, the Serb might be a huge help in his quest to reach the Premier League.
