Arsenal transfer target Cody Gakpo's touching moment with PSV fans speaks volumes

Arsenal transfer target Cody Gakpo has heightened speculation he could be on the move this summer after appearing to say goodbye to PSV Eindhoven fans on Wednesday night.

Gakpo started as PSV picked up a 3-2 win against NEC Nijmegen in their final home game of the season. The 23-year-old has been strongly linked with a summer transfer, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich all reportedly keeping an eye on his development.

Gakpo has starred for PSV this season, contributing 21 goals and 13 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. The versatile attacker, who tends to play on the left, was heavily linked with a move in January before eventually signing a new one-year extension until 2026 with PSV. The Athletic reported last month that, although his new contract does not have a release clause, PSV will cooperate if he wants to leave and suitable offers above £35million arrive this summer.

That possibility was lended weight by Gakpo’s behaviour following the final whistle on Wednesday. Ajax’s 5-0 win over Heerenveen secured the Eredivisie title for the Amsterdam club, ensuring that PSV will finish the season in second place no matter what happens in their final game against PEC Zwolle on Sunday.

But PSV still wanted to thank their fans for their support this season, so the playing squad did a lap of honour at the Philips Stadion. The club’s Twitter account filmed Gakpo approaching a group of fans who had a big flag with his name on it.

Gakpo spray-painted his signature on the flag before clapping and bowing down to the supporters. His actions could be construed as a farewell to the PSV supporters – a scenario which would please Arsenal fans.

Arsenal are on the lookout