Arsenal could be set to move on from defender Jakub Kiwior just 18 months after he arrived, in favour of signing an upgrade.
Kiwior joined from Spezia in January 2023, but after initially arriving as a backup centre-back, he found himself at left-back for an extended spell this season.
Despite impressing at times as Arsenal went on a winning run, it became clear that Kiwior is more suited to a central role, and he was torn apart by Leroy Sane in the Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich.
Takehiro Tomiyasu returned from injury to usurp Kiwior in the pecking order, and this now leaves the 23-year-old in a difficult position, with Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko also above him on the left, and Gabriel Magalhaes the preferred option at left centre-back.
Arsenal Insider revealed that Kiwior is of interest to Italian clubs including AC Milan, and that he may be tempted to return to Serie A to play more regularly, but this is contingent on Mikel Arteta making an addition to his squad.
Arsenal are now interested in Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman
A report from The Telegraph has now revealed that Arsenal are ready to battle Chelsea for Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman.
The 22-year-old has been courted by the West Londoners for some time, but Arsenal are now monitoring him closely.
There is one key problem though. Hartman picked up a long-term injury in March, and like Jurrien Timber, will miss the European Championships with the Netherlands this summer.
This would mean that if Arsenal do sell Kiwior this summer, it would still take some time for Hartman to reach full fitness to replace him.
What would Quilindschy Hartman bring to Arsenal?
Despite his injury, it is easy to see why Arteta is keen on adding the Dutchman to his defensive roster.
Hartman ranks very highly among his peers in possession, as he places in the top 5% of fullbacks for passes, progressive passes, and shot creating actions.
This could see him replace Oleksandr Zinchenko’s attacking ability on the ball whilst also providing the aerial cover that Takehiro Tomiyasu brings, as he ranks in the top 25% for aerial duels won.
Hartman is set to return from injury at the start of next season, and should he replace Kiwior, Arteta may believe he has enough cover to begin the campaign before he returns.
Arsenal have also been linked with Jorrel Hato of Ajax, whilst Hartman’s teammate goalkeeper Justin Bijlow is also being looked at as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.