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Arsenal 'earmark injured left-back' as Oleksandr Zinchenko replacement

By Devesh Jaganath | 31 May 2024

Arsenal 'earmark injured left-back' as Zinchenko replacement

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to join the race for highly-rated Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman when the Dutchman returns from injury next season.

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to join the race for Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman when the Dutchman returns from injury next season.

Hartman came through the Feyenoord academy and was part of the 2022-23 Eredivisie-winning squad. He also won the KNVB Cup last season, although he missed the final due to knee surgery.

Over the past two seasons, the 22-year-old has established himself as a key player for the Dutch giants, having made his breakthrough under Arne Slot, who is now the manager of Liverpool.

The Dutchman suffered a serious knee injury in March and missed the remainder of the season. His injury also prevented him from being selected for the European Championship this summer.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on May 19, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal keeping tabs on Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman

Despite missing the majority of the second half of the campaign, The Telegraph reports that Arsenal are contemplating a move for Hartman, although they intend to observe his recovery from injury before making a decision.

The report adds that the Gunners' scouts hold him in high regard and view him as a player who is ready to make the jump to Premier League football.

Mikel Arteta's main focus for the summer transfer window is to secure a new number nine, but the club are also believed to be on the lookout for a promising young defender.

The 22-year-old could prove to be a suitable addition to the Arsenal squad, particularly considering the uncertainties surrounding Arteta's preferred choice for the left-back position.

In the last season, the Gunners' left-back role was shared among Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca celebrates after winning the Championship on May 30, 2024 © Reuters

Hartman attracting interest from Premier League clubs

However, Arsenal are not the only Premier League club eyeing the Dutch player, as Chelsea also expressed their interest with an approach made back in January.

In an interview with ESPN earlier this month, Hartman acknowledged Chelsea's interest, stating, "I think they don't want me now, but they really wanted me, yeah.

"The last few months they came back and really wanted me. Unfortunately, things turned out differently. Now I'm staying with Feyenoord, but there's a good chance it would have happened otherwise."

With Enzo Maresca now appointed as the new Chelsea boss, it will be interesting to see if the Blues return with a new offer for the talented left-back next season.

It is understood that Burnley were also considering a move for the player last summer when reports indicated that Feyenoord were willing to consider around £17m to part ways with him.

Hartman embodies a more conventional, attacking left-back style compared to the current options available to Arteta.

Additionally, he stands out for his impressive performance in metrics such as chance creation and progressive passes.

The Dutch international, who has two years remaining on his Feyenoord contract, made 26 appearances in the Eredivisie last season and registered five assists in that time.