Arsenal are targeting Feyenoord left-back Kilindsha Hartman

Kilindshi Hartman celebrates with the fans Feyenoord's victory in the 2023 Eredivisie Championship. Photo: Getty Images/Rico Brouwer

Arsenal are poised to enter the race for Feyenoord left-back Kilindshi Hartman when the Dutchman returns from injury next season.

Hartman, 22, spoke about previous interest with Chelsea side, but is understood to have also been admired by Arsenal scouts and is seen as a player who could make the jump to English football.

He is currently recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in March, due to which he was unable to participate in the European Championship, and his rehabilitation will begin in the next Eredivisie. season.

But he is highly regarded in the Premier League and Arsenal will be among the clubs keeping a close eye on his return, with Mikel Arteta hoping for a long-term strengthening of his defense away from his summer priority of acquiring a striker.

Ajax 18-year-old teenager Jorrell Hato is viewed by Arsenal as a top prospect who can play as a left-back or centre-back, although he has also recently signed a new contract. Hartmann, meanwhile, has played primarily as a full-back since joining Feyenoord for the last two seasons.

Under Arne Slot, who moved to Liverpool, Hartman won the Eredivisie title last season and his form earned him a call-up to the Dutch national team. He was in contention for a place at Euro 2024 until he suffered an injury.

His first cap came last October, when he scored on his debut against France, and clubs were already eyeing him. Hartman recently told ESPN that Chelsea “really wanted me” before his injury.

“It started over the winter break. They came to Feyenoord, but at that moment I didn’t really want it myself,” he said. “I just broke through, started playing everything and made the Dutch national team. The European Championship has also arrived.»

Hartmann, who has two seasons left on his contract, suggested Feyenoord were ready for a summer move, but his injury delayed the move to the Premier League.

Last season Arteta had Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior sharing left-back duties, with Takehiro Tomiyasu also playing in that position, rather than Arteta having one first-choice player.