Just Now:Arsenal ‘identify’ Zinchenko replacement who rejected Chelsea

Arsenal have reportedly set eyes on Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman but might have to wait until next season to land him on a transfer.

The 22-year-old had been of interest to Chelsea in January but the player was not fond of a move mid-season as he tried to secure a spot in the Netherlands squad for this summer’s European Championships.
Hartman was in line for selection until he was required to undergo surgery on a knee injury picked up in March, ruling him out of action until next season, and possibly until 2025. Mikel Arteta is tipped to look for a new left-back to usurp Oleksandr Zinchenko this year.

The Telegraph believes Arsenal have added Hartman to their shortlist given his role in Feyenoord’s league title success last year and continued form up until his long setback. His rehabilitation from his operation means a summer transfer is now very unlikely.

Hartman said Feyenoord had previously indicated that he could move once the season was over, having been barred from moving in January upon Chelsea's interest. Arne Slot’s switch to Liverpool increases his chances of an exit within the next 12 months.

Hartman, who still has two years left on his deal, was linked to Burnley last August amid reports he could be let go for as little as £17m. His stock is thought to have risen since, despite his setback.

Speaking to ESPN earlier this month, Hartman opened up on Chelsea’s winter interest in him, claiming that it had lasted right up 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 also arrived. It wasn’t really about it.

“From Feyenoord it was also clear: in the summer we are open to it, but not now. 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.”

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