ARSENAL have been given a boost in their pursuit of Cody Gakpo after PSV director of football John de Jong admitted he is unsure how long they can keep him.
The Gunners were linked with a move for the forward in January as a possible replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
It was claimed that the North London outfit were in competition with Liverpool and Manchester City in the race to secure his services.
But they were dealt a blow in their hopes of landing him after the 22-year-old starlet penned a new long-term contract at the Philips Stadion until 2026.
However, just a week after the four-cap Holland international extended his stay at the club, De Jong has revealed the player could still soon depart the Dutch giants.
He has admitted that PSV are resigned to top teams being interested in Gakpo which could see him be sold in the near future.
Speaking to PSV TV, he said: "The interest started early in the season, when he performed well, also with the Dutch national team.
"My goal is to keep him for the season at all times.
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"I don’t know how long we can keep him out of the hands of the big clubs in Europe. How he performs is the most important thing.”
Before adding: "His new contract says a lot. A nice signal to players in the academy and in this group.
"The path that he goes through from youth player to important base player, to the second captain is beautiful."
Gakpo has earned rave reviews this term having chipped in with ten goals and 11 assists in 28 games in all competitions.
Despite the uncertainty over his future, Gakpo has insisted his focus remains on PSV and winning trophies with the team.
Commenting on his contract extension, he remarked: "It’s a massive honour to extend my time here.
"I have a clear mission this season: win trophies with PSV.
“I will give my very best to be successful with the team. I want to repay the trust the club is putting in me.”
PSV sit second in the Eredivisie table – two points behind leaders Ajax – while they are in the quarter-finals of the KNVB Cup and in the knockout stages of the Uefa Conference League.
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