Arsenal ready to take on Chelsea for Feyenoord star

Arsenal are interested in Feyenoord’s Quilindschy Hartman and he is keen on the move, but a potential deal is likely on hold at the moment.

Malik Tillman (L) of PSV fights for the ball with Quilindschy Hartman (R) of Feyenoord during the Dutch Eredivisie soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord at Phillips Stadium, in Eindhoven, Netherlands on March 3, 2024. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Earlier this week, Mike McGrath reported for The Telegraph that Arsenal were ready to join the race for Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman, with Gunners scouts showing their admiration for the defender.

Hartman is currently injured and his absence is expected to extend into next season, but Arsenal are closely monitoring his return.

The 22-year-old has two years left on his contract and he previously suggested Feyenoord were open to him leaving this summer, but his injury has complicated the situation.

Chelsea are also interested in Hartman, but either Premier League club is unlikely to make a move while the player is still out of action.

Quilindschy Hartman of Feyenoord reacts after scoring a penalty after extra time during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 match between AS Roma and Feyenoord at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on February 22, 2024. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

A move therefore appears to be on hold for the moment, but The Standard has offered a positive update on a potential move to north London.

According to Nick Purewal’s report, Hartman would be keen to join Arsenal if the Gunners intensify their interest.

As expected, Purewal writes that Hartman’s injury means a transfer is “far from here.” But it appears the player is on Arsenal’s shortlist if he leaves his current club.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: Quilindschy Hartman of the Netherlands in action during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifying match between the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland at the Johan Cruijff Arena on November 18, 2023. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Hartman made 38 appearances for Feyenoord this season before his knee operation in early April, turning down interest from Chelsea for the January transfer window.

The Netherlands international is expected to be back in action in 2025, so the January 2025 window could be one to watch in that case.