Zinchenko Leaves Arsenal for UCL Favorites While Arteta Snatches £40M Left-Back Replacement from Chelsea and Man United
Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman, though they might have to wait until next season to secure his transfer.
The 22-year-old was of interest to Chelsea in January, but he was not keen on a mid-season move as he aimed to secure a spot in the Netherlands squad for the European Championships this summer.
Hartman was a candidate for selection until a knee injury in March required surgery, sidelining him until next season, and possibly until 2025. Mikel Arteta is expected to seek a new left-back to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko this year.
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal has added Hartman to their shortlist, recognizing his contribution to Feyenoord’s league title success last year and his continued form until his injury. His recovery from surgery makes a summer transfer unlikely.
Hartman mentioned that Feyenoord had previously indicated he could move after the season, having blocked a January transfer despite Chelsea’s interest. Arne Slot’s move to Liverpool might increase Hartman’s chances of leaving within the next 12 months.
Hartman, who has two years remaining on his contract, was linked to Burnley last August with reports suggesting he could be available for as little as £17m. His value is believed to have risen despite his injury setback.
In an interview with ESPN earlier this month, Hartman discussed Chelsea’s winter interest in him, saying it persisted until his injury. “I think they don’t want me now, but they really wanted me, yeah,” he said.
“It already started in the winter break. They came to Feyenoord, but at that moment I didn’t really want it myself. I had just broken through, just started playing everything, and made it to the Dutch national team. The European Championships were also approaching. It wasn’t really about it.
“From Feyenoord it was also clear: in the summer we are open to it, but not now. In the last few months, they [Chelsea] 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.”