Arsenal had a look at young midfielder Cole Bassett in recent times – and he’s now off to Feyenoord to work under Robin van Persie’s tutelage.
In 2019, Arsenal decided to bring Bassett in on trial having showed some promise with MLS side Colorado Rapids.
The key factor to note here is that the owner of Colorado Rapids is Stan Kroenke – the owner of Arsenal too.
Kroenke helped engineer Bassett’s brief trip to Arsenal, which meant so much to the midfielder.
Bassett is a boyhood Arsenal fan, but he didn’t quite manage to do enough to tempt Arsenal into signing him full-time.
So what’s Bassett’s current situation having returned to the States?
The 20-year-old has emerged as a real talent in Major League Soccer, racking up 13 goals and nine assists in 75 games.
Operating in a host of midfield roles, Bassett has really started to fulfil his potential with Colorado Rapids.
Bassett has also earned his first USA cap, scoring against Bosnia and Herzegovina as a substitute in December.
Arsenal may have said no, but Bassett is now on the verge of a big move to Europe.
MLS Soccer report that Bassett is set to make a loan move to Dutch club Feyenoord, who seemingly see real promise in the youngster.
The deal will last for 18 months with Feyenoord holding an option to turn the move permanent should Bassett impress.
This means Bassett will now join forces with Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson in Rotterdam, but also Robin van Persie.
Former Arsenal hitman Van Persie is a coach at Feyenoord, and Bassett may be hoping to learn a thing or two from the Dutch goal machine.
If Bassett shines at Feyenoord, who can rule out Arsenal coming back in for him? Right now, Bassett is showing the Gunners that he really does have the potential to become a star in the future.
As long as Kroenke is at Arsenal, that door may always be slightly ajar.
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