Johan Bakayoko breaks silence on PSV future amid Arsenal transfer links

Johan Bakayoko has opened up on his future at PSV amid transfer links to Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 21-year-old winger impressed at the Dutch side last year, scoring 14 goals and grabbing 14 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions. This has led to links with both the Gunners and the Reds, with Bakayoko seen as a potential Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah understudy by their respective clubs.

According to PSV Eindhoven insider Rik Elfrink, via GiveMeSport, Arsenal have enquired about the possibility of luring Bakayoko to the Emirates Stadium. It’s said, however, that the Red Devils winger is currently focused on Euro 2024 and is likely to only make a decision after the tournament.

Speaking ahead of Belgium’s round of 16 clash against France on Monday, Bakayoko was asked about his future and where he could be playing his football next season. “I don’t know if I’m going to leave PSV,” he said, not giving too much away.

On the clash with France, Bakayoko said: “Honestly, I don’t think there is a favourite. We have strengths and weaknesses, just like they do. Both teams fear each other.”

He added: “Have we trained penalties? No. Coincidentally, Lois Openda kicked one. Whether it went in, you’ll have to ask him.”

READ MORE: The 22 players waving goodbye to Arsenal today as Edu summer transfer plans take shape

READ MORE: Arsenal’s dream subs after £100m-plus transfer spend, Nwaneri chance, Calafiori signing

It’s not the first time Bakayoko has spoken about his future at PSV. In May he was again being linked with a move to Arsenal and told Dutch news outlet Het Belang van Limburg: “The only thing I can say is that next year I will be on a football pitch somewhere.”

Bakayoko has actually already played at the Emirates Stadium as he was part of the PSV team which lost 4-0 in the Champions League group stages last season. He played 66 minutes against Mikel Arteta’s side and also featured against the Gunners when the two sides met at Philips Stadium three months later, a game which ended 1-1.

Bakayoko was in fact close to moving to the Premier League last summer. Brentford were willing to pay up to £34million for the Belgian and a deal was said to be close but the winger opted to stay at PSV due to the club offering Champions League football.

Sign up to our Arsenal WhatsApp service and get all the latest breaking news and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers direct to your phone by clicking this link.

football.london understands Arsenal are keen to strengthen in the transfer window this summer, with a central midfielder seen as the priority. It is possible, though, that a goalkeeper, defender and versatile forward is targeted as Arteta aims for a third successive Premier League title challenge.