Former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel would love Cody Gakpo to join his old club but believes Arsenal might represent a better option.
The PSV Eindhoven striker has enhanced his burgeoning reputation at the World Cup with two goals in two games for Louis van Gaal’s Holland side.
Gakpo has long been on the radar of several Premier League clubs and came close to joining Manchester United in the summer before Erik ten Hag turned his attention to Brazil international Antony.
Arsenal and Liverpool are continuing to monitor the 23-year-old’s situation ahead of the January transfer window with the Gunners in particular looking to add more firepower to their squad.
Mikel Arteta missed out on signing another forward during the summer window after moves for Pedro Neto and Raphinha collapsed and is keen to bolster a squad that has mounted an unlikely Premier League title challenge.
Babel believes Gakpo needs to take a range of factors into consideration when deciding his next club but feel Arsenal might represent the best option.
He told The Athletic: ‘You see him linked to clubs in England, such as Manchester United. Everyone has the right price so let’s see how he develops in the tournament. He has shown enough quality that he is ready for the next step, whether it’s in January or next summer.
‘As a Liverpool fan, I would tell him to go to Liverpool if they make an approach! Arsenal would also be an incredible team for him, with the current manager and the project that they’re building. He has to follow his heart.
‘When you are a young Dutch player, it is flattering to be linked to big clubs in England, but going from the Dutch league to the Premier League is a big step. Not every player is able to adapt and able to survive in the Premier League.
‘There are a lot of players who are written as the next star, then they go to the Premier League and they can’t cope. Dutch mentality is different to English mentality, and you have to learn a new set of rules.
‘In terms of pace, physicality, and the different game styles both you and the opponent will play week-to-week. Also the travelling, the preparation, it’s a lot to deal with.
‘When I went to Liverpool in my twenties it was like a whole new world opened. In Holland, when I was at Ajax I still lived at home with my parents and then not only was I living abroad but living by myself too.
‘It was hard not to lag behind, learning the rules of Liverpool and the English culture and the Premier League as a whole. If I was to advise Gakpo, I would say, “Choose your next club based on their style of playing.”
‘If a club like Manchester United comes calling, you first have to picture yourself playing well with that setup, rather than just seeing the name.
‘You have to look at the style of playing and the demands of the coach and ask yourself if can execute to a high level.’
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