Arsenal are believed to be eyeing a move for PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo, as manager Mikel Arteta looks to further strengthen his side ahead of the new Premier League season.

What's the word?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Gunners are interested in signing the 23-year-old before the September deadline, as they plot alternatives to former target Raphinha following the Brazilian's move to Barcelona.

Journalist Ben Jacobs - speaking to GIVEMESPORT - has now provided his verdict on the potential deal for the Netherlands international, insisting that while the north London side have no agreement in place as yet, a move could develop in the coming weeks.

The transfer insider stated: “Gakpo is an interesting one. It’s one to watch. Arsenal haven’t got anything advanced at this point, but he has openly said that he would like to move to the Premier League.

“He’s also spoken about his admiration for Thierry Henry and I think that got Arsenal fans pretty excited. But he also said he admired Virgil Van Dijk. So the interest is there. But there’s nothing advanced at the time of speaking.”

Supporters will be buzzing

News of the Emirates outfit's interest in the seven-cap menace - who could cost in the region of £37m - will seemingly have supporters buzzing, as excitement builds at the potential of adding such a highly-rated talent to Arteta's ranks.

The player himself has already set pulses racing among those of an Arsenal persuasion after admitting he idolised club legend Thierry Henry in his youth, as Jacobs alluded to, with there undoubtedly those hoping that Gakpo can emulate the iconic Frenchman.

The £7.4k-per-week gem has caught the eye of clubs across Europe due to his sparkling form in Holland in recent times, notably netting a remarkable haul of 12 goals and 13 assists in the Eredivisie last season, while also averaging an impressive three shots and 2.6 key passes per game from his 27 outings.

That real standout campaign ensures that PSV youth product now has an overall record of 42 goals and 33 assists in 134 games across all competitions at senior level, proving himself a hugely impactful presence in the final third, both as a creator and a goal-getter.

Not just a flash in the pan, the 6 foot 2 wideman has begun the new season in stunning form also, netting once and providing two assists in the recent 5-3 victory over rivals Ajax in what was a thrilling Dutch Super Cup showdown.

That display saw the £27m-rated ace record a truly remarkable 8.7 match rating, as per SofaScore, having averaged a 7.51 rating during the 2021/22 campaign in the league - the highest among his teammates.

The transition to life in England is never easy, although all the signs point to a player who could sparkle under Arteta's watch if he were to be signed in the coming weeks, with supporters set to be in for a treat if they do get to see the exciting prospect in action this season.

AND, in other news: Arsenal plotting move for £19.8m-rated “assist machine”, could be better than Raphinha