Why Arsenal should make a move for Ajax’s Donny van de Beek

Back in April 2019, Marca via Sport Witness (h/t Football London) had claimed that Arsenal were one of the host of clubs interested in signing Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek. However, no deal materialised in the summer and he stayed put at Ajax.

A graduate of the Ajax academy, Donny van de Beek, 22, has become a regular fixture for Ajax over the last two seasons. He played 39 times across all competitions in 2017/18 Eredivisie season, scoring 13 goals. The Dutchman racked up a staggering 57 appearances in total last season, scoring 17 goals and playing a key role in helping Ajax win the Eredivisie title.

Van de Beek has been in good form this campaign as well, racking up eight goals and four assists in 19 league appearances so far. With the Netherlands international impressing in the last two seasons with Ajax, Arsenal must rekindle their interest in him when the summer transfer window opens.

The Gunners only signed two defenders in the January transfer window, namely Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares. It was a smart decision by Mikel Arteta, considering that the north London outfit has conceded 34 goals in 25 games.

After the completion of 2019/20 season, Arsenal must shift their focus towards strengthening the midfield department. Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira have looked solid in central midfield under Arteta, showing signs of forging a strong partnership.

Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos has not played in the Premier League since the start of November. The Spaniard’s season-long loan spell from Real Madrid expires in June. Keeping that in mind, Arteta should look to replace Ceballos with Donny van de Beek.

Van de Beek is among Ajax’s best and brightest players in the current squad under manager Erik ten Hag. A versatile player, the 22-year-old is capable of playing in various positions across the midfield. He has the ability to provide ample scoring chances for the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

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Not to forget, the Dutchman also has massive experience of top-flight football having racked up 164 appearances, scoring 40 goals in the process. This season, he has found the back of the net eight times and has provided four assists across all competitions, helping Ajax sit comfortably on top of the Eredivisie table.

Verdict

Van de Beek would add quality to Arsenal’s midfield, whilst bringing competition in the squad. Thus, the Gunners must do everything possible to land the Dutchman in the summer.