Arsenal Target Injured Left-back As Potential Oleksandr Zinchenko Replacement
Arsenal are reportedly set to enter the race for Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman once he returns from injury next season.
Hartman, a product of Feyenoord’s academy, was part of the squad that won the Eredivisie title in the 2022-23 season. 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 become a key player for Feyenoord, making his breakthrough under Arne Slot, who is now the manager of Liverpool.
Hartman suffered a serious knee injury in March, which sidelined him for the rest of the season and prevented him from being selected for the European Championship this summer.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman
Despite his absence for most of the latter half of the season, The Telegraph reports that Arsenal are considering a move for Hartman, though they plan to monitor his recovery from injury before making a final decision.
The Gunners’ scouts hold Hartman in high regard and believe he is ready to transition to Premier League football.
While Mikel Arteta’s primary focus for the summer transfer window is securing a new number nine, the club is also looking for a promising young defender.
The 22-year-old Hartman could be a valuable addition to the Arsenal squad, especially given the uncertainties surrounding the left-back position.
Last season, the left-back duties at Arsenal were shared among Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Hartman attracting interest from Premier League clubs
Arsenal are not the only Premier League club interested in the Dutch player; Chelsea also showed interest with an approach 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 remains to be seen if the Blues will renew their pursuit of the talented left-back next season.
Burnley also considered a move for Hartman last summer, with reports suggesting Feyenoord were open to offers around £17m.
Hartman is a more traditional, attacking left-back compared to Arsenal’s current options. He excels in metrics like 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, recording five assists.
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