Arsenal target Cody Gakpo gives verdict on Emirates experience

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Arsenal target Cody Gakpo has given his verdict on the Emirates Stadium after captaining PSV there during their Europa League visit on Thursday night. The Gunners secured their safe passage to the knockout stages of the competition as Granit Xhaka scored the only goal of the game.

Gakpo was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer, with Arsenal reportedly entering the fray to get their hands on him in the latter stages of the transfer window. The 23-year-old forward ultimately stayed in the Netherlands and has racked-up an incredible 13 goals and 11 assists in 19 matches this season.

The Gunners defence managed to keep the ace quiet in north London as PSV failed to score in a match for only the third time this campaign. And following the showdown, the Netherlands international lauded the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium.

“It was a great atmosphere and a good team,” Gakpo 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.”

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Gakpo also came to the attentions of Everton, Southampton and Leeds over the summer. And he recently admitted he almost secured a move to the Premier League. “I was close to leaving,” he revealed earlier this week. “I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United.

“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.

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“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.”

Thursday’s result at the Emirates means Arsenal are five points clear of second-placed PSV at the top of Group A and eight points ahead of third-placed Bodo/Glimt. And PSV can book their place in the Europa League knockout stages when they host Arsenal next Thursday if they get a better result than Bodo/Glimt, who travel to Zurich on the same night.

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