Aniket Rai
Manchester United target Cody Gakpo gives verdict on Antony transfer
Antony and Cody Gakpo are two forwards that Manchester United have been linked with this summer, with the former close to a move after Ajax accepted an £84.8million (€100m) offer.
This could put a dent in United’s potential pursuit of Gakpo. The 23-year-old is one of the stars in PSV Eindhoven’s squad and has already scored and assisted three goals each in three league games this season.
Speaking about Antony’s imminent transfer to ESPN (h/t Metro), the versatile forward said:
“It’s nice for him, but it has no influence on me. But there are also other options. United are a serious option. I can hear it all. I try to shut myself off from it, but it’s difficult.”
Perhaps this is the Netherlands international’s way of drawing United’s attention back to him. After all, there aren’t a lot of footballers in the world who would turn down an opportunity to play for United if they came knocking on their doors.
He is also apparently available for £35million, which isn’t an exorbitant fee for a player of his capabilities. It would be strange to see United signing another winger if they do manage to officially announce a deal for Antony.
But then again, Gakpo is comfortable playing as a centre-forward as well. Cristiano Ronaldo’s future in manager Erik ten Hag’s starting XI also looks uncertain.
He has been benched two games in a row. Anthony Martial was left out of the squad against Southampton in our 1-0 win following an injury, and given the Frenchman’s inconsistency over the years, it won’t be a bad call to sign Gakpo as well.
More Manchester United News:
- Injury News: Erik ten Hag gives Casemiro update; rules out Manchester United forward Anthony Martial for Southampton tie
- Erik ten Hag explains why Casemiro did not start for Manchester United against Southampton
- Manchester United learn UEFA Europa League group for 2022/23 season
It is now up to United to take a call and see if they want to pursue another winger-cum-striker in the ilk of Gakpo. A right-back or a backup goalkeeper seems like a more urgent requirement but then again, anything can happen in the coming days before the transfer window deadline on September 1.
