Rumour: Arsenal eager to land PSV’s highly rated Zakaria Bakkali

Zakaria Bakkali of PSV in action during the Dutch Cup match between PSV Eindhoven and SC Stormvogels Telstar

PSV have lost patience in ongoing contract negotiations between 18-year-old Zakaria Bakkali and the club, triggering interest from Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool.

The player’s agents, also his aunt and uncle, are eager to keep their options open and court interest from different clubs before committing to a new deal, much to the frustration of the Eredivisie outfit.

Marcel Brands, PSV’s chief executive, recently expressed as much to Voetbal International.

“We have offered Bakkali the best renewal possible, now it’s up to him,” Brands said.

“We won’t run after anyone”.

Should Bakkali’s representatives continue to delay, it is suggested he will instantly appear on the club’s transfer list and reports elsewhere claim the Arsenal boss maintains a strong interest in the young forward.

“Bakkali is a player that Wenger rates highly,” a PSV source told Dutch media, according to the Express.

“Arsenal have kept an eye on him and are aware that other teams want him, so could move in the summer to buy him.”

Now several other clubs have become aware of Bakkali’s contract situation, though, Arsenal could have a transfer tussle on their hands, with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Roma all having been mooted as rival suitors for the Belgian’s signature.

The news follows similar reports of a prospective Eredivisie to Premier League switch, as both Arsenal and Liverpool have recently been linked with Feyenoord defender Daryl Janmaat.