Gakpo, who nearly moved to Manchester United in the summer, was also linked to Arsenal, Southampton and Leeds United
By Kehinde Okeowo
PSV Eindhoven striker, Cody Gakpo has admitted to having a tough time at the Emirate on Thursday night, after his team lost to Arsenal in their Europa League match.
The Gunners eased to a 1-0 win over the Dutch team, courtesy of a 71st minute strike from Granix Xhaka and their star player, Gakpo, was mostly anonymous in the game.
Having amassed a total of 24 goals this season, the Netherlands international was expected to be a thorn in Arsenal’s right-hand side.
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However, the 23-year-old was starved of service throughout the encounter.
Speaking to football.london after the defeat, the PSV captain said he was frustrated during the game and applauded Arsenal fans for doing a good job.
Gakpo said, “Yeah, it was a great atmosphere and a good team,” he said. “We tried our best, but we failed to get a result.
“It was a little bit frustrating instead of a real joy to play here.”
The Dutch forward, who nearly moved to Manchester United in the summer has been linked with a move to Arsenal for some time. He was also linked to Southampton and Leeds United.
Speaking about his aborted move to Manchester United, Gakpo said he spoke with the Red Devils boss, Erik Ten Hag but the talks ended a week before the close of the transfer market.
“I was close to leaving. I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United,” he told The Times. “In the end, the deal didn’t go through, which was a shame for me and my development. Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also for PSV because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club.
“It ended about a week before the end of the transfer window, and in that week, I had to decide if I would go to Leeds or Southampton. In the end, I stayed, but it was a stressful period.’ I always said if I stay here, it’s my childhood club. It’s not a punishment. ‘I like being here, I want to win trophies here and do my best for the club.”