Arsenal has reportedly entered the competition with Chelsea to secure the signature of Feyenoord’s left-back, Quilindschy Hartman, as per a recent report.
Hartman played a pivotal role in Feyenoord’s achievements under former manager Arne Slot before suffering a severe knee injury in March, expected to keep him sidelined for a significant part of 2024, complicating any potential transfer plans.
While a summer move seems unlikely due to his injury setback, The Telegraph indicates that Arsenal is closely monitoring the 22-year-old’s recovery process. They view Hartman as a player capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League.
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Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta is in search of a new left-back but might postpone any transfer decisions until Jurrien Timber, recovering from his own serious injury, returns to full fitness. Feyenoord was reportedly open to selling Hartman this summer as he enters the final two years of his contract, but they acknowledge that his recent injury will dampen any immediate transfer speculation.
Hartman disclosed to ESPN earlier this month that Chelsea had expressed interest in signing him in January, but he felt it wasn’t the right time to make the switch to the Premier League.
“Right now they don’t want me, but they really wanted to [sign me],” Hartman revealed. “Chelsea came to Feyenoord last winter break. To be honest, I didn’t want it at that moment. I had only just broken through, just started playing everything and it wasn’t the right time either with a view to the European Championship.
“Feyenoord was not open to selling in the winter, but this summer, they were. Interest has returned in recent months. They really wanted me and I was certainly open to it. Unfortunately, things turned out differently. At the same time I think: ‘I’ll stay at Feyenoord, that’s fine too’. But there was indeed a good chance that the transfer would have gone through.”
Hartman is not the only Feyenoord player linked with Arsenal, with recent reports suggesting that goalkeeper Justin Bijlow is also on Arteta’s radar.