Former Crystal Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt wants to join a Serie A club this summer despite reported interest from Arsenal and Leeds United, his agent has told Calciomercato.
According to the Dutchman’s representative, Van Aanholt is one of the most effective attacking left-backs in Premier League history.
And there’s something in that bold statemet.
In four-and-a-half years at Selhurst Park, Van Aanholt found the back of the net an impressive 13 times. That’s a tally few other full-backs can match.
However, while the Netherlands international is a major threat at one end, he’s not exactly the most reliable of defenders.
Could Van Aanholt choose Inter above Arsenal or Leeds?
The one-time Chelsea youngster had to accept much of the blame after Frank de Boer’s Netherlands were knocked out of Euro 2020 at the quarter-final stage by the Czech Republic on Sunday.
And, with his contract expiring today, Van Aanholt’s struggles on the biggest of stages won’t exactly boost his chances of securing a big move to a new club.
Inter Milan may have their troubles in the money department but surely the Serie A champions can afford to aim a little higher?
“Patrick is evaluating all options for his future. At Inter? The Nerazzurri are undoubtedly a fantastic club and Italian football is still one of the most important leagues in the world,” agent Michael Jarman explains.
“He is one of the best left-back scorers in Premier League history. He would like to bring his style of play to Serie A.”
Jarman, of course, didn’t say Van Aanholt had no interest in staying in England. It’s just he would prefer a new adventure after spending his entire professional career – bar a few weeks on loan at Vitesse Arnhem – in the UK.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were linked with Van Aanholt earlier in the summer, via The Mirror, but both clubs appear to have turned their attentions elsewhere.
Junior Firpo will be boarding a flight to West Yorkshire soon enough, while Benfica youngster Nuno Tavares has agreed a five-year deal at the Emirates.
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