Robin Van Persie backed Arsenal to sign €40m goal-machine instead of (Out of form/overrated) Wolves £60m Pedro Neto

Robin Van Persie backed Arsenal to sign €40m goal-machine instead of (Out of form/overrated) Wolves £60m Pedro Neto –

Robin van Persie has backed Arsenal target Cody Gakpo after the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League group stage. The 23-year-old was strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, but his move from the Eredivisie failed to materialise.

football.london understands that Mikel Arteta’s team are one of several clubs interested in Gakpo’s services. The striker would also like to play in the Premier League one day, but for the time being his priority is to be part of the Dutch squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The north London club are facing increasing competition for his signature following his impressive performances, and Van Persie has told Arsenal what he could give up to his rivals. Speaking to BT Sport, the former Gunners striker described Gakpo as a versatile player in the final third of the pitch.

“He’s a good player,” said Van Persie. “He always finds a way to influence most games to give an assist or score a goal. He is not a pure striker, but he can play as a number 10 or on the wing. He can play in those positions.

Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted Gakpo’s departure is inevitable as the £38m star’s future at PSV becomes increasingly uncertain. The former Manchester United striker said: “It is not only Premier League clubs who are looking for him.

“His quality and form over the last three or four months has been outstanding. His stats and goals are attracting the attention of the big clubs in European football.”

“He’s 23 years old and he’s focused on his career with us at club level and achieving a great World Cup. He wants to continue like this. When the time comes, he will make the decisions.”

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are ready to make two signings in the January transfer window as Arteta looks to strengthen his squad after laying the foundations for a Premier League title challenge. The Gunners are reportedly targeting a midfielder and a winger if possible.

Wolves’ star player Pedro Neto has been linked with Arsenal this summer. However, according to a report in Portuguese media outlet O’Jogo, the Gunners had “no chance” of snatching the 22-year-old from Wolves.