Arsenal-linked Johan Bakayoko has left the door open to a potential departure from PSV Eindhoven but insists that he isn’t actively looking for a move.
The Belgian attacker has courted speculation over his future in Holland with Premier League clubs said to be circling. Among them are Arsenal and Liverpool with the latter said to be eyeing a move for the 21-year-old as a replacement for star forward, Mohamed Salah.
Bakayoko earned a call-up to Domenico Tedesco’s provisional squad for the European Championships, in Germany, this summer after helping PSV to the Eredivisie summit. The forward netted 14 goals and as many assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
Reports in Holland emerged in recent weeks, namely from Het Belang van Limburg, that Arsenal have approached the forward over a possible transfer this summer. Mikel Arteta has struggled for a consistent front three with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard selected in the wide positions.
The 21-year-old has dismissed claims that he was close to leaving last summer but says his focus is on this summer’s competition in Germany – despite admitting he is a fan of the Premier League.
“I didn’t talk about leaving so I didn’t understand why people were saying: ‘Oh, why didn’t he move?’ There was no option of leaving,” he told The Athletic. “But that’s part of football. People give their opinion.
“But this season I haven’t even talked about leaving. I was just thinking about preparing for the Euros, just trying my best to be fit.”
