Ex-Gunner disappointed Arsenal missed out on ‘quality player’ to PL rivals

Follow us on Google Discover

Ian Wright has said that he wishes Arsenal had signed Donny van de Beek before he went to Manchester United, as quoted in Football.London.

The Arsenal legend has spoken highly of the 23-year-old Netherlands international, who moved to United from Ajax in the summer transfer window.

The young midfielder’s agent, Sjaak Swart, told Showtime this month that Arsenal “really wanted him”, but the Gunners “just couldn’t get the money for a transfer”, as covered by HITC Sport here.

Football.London quotes Wright as saying about Van de Beek: “Donny van de Beek, he’s someone that I wish someone more like Arsenal could have taken.”

Wright added: “Listen, Donny van de Beek will be a good player for Man United in time because he’s a quality player. But is he what they need right now?”

Promising talent

Van de Beek is one of the best young midfielders in Europe and was superb for Ajax over the years.

The Dutchman won the league title with Ajax in 2019, and also reached the UEFA Europa League final in 2017.

According to WhoScored, the 23-year-old made 22 starts and one substitute appearance in the Eredivisie for Ajax last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in the process.

The midfielder also provided one assist in two Europa League matches for the Dutch club in 2019-20, and scored two goals and provided one assist in five Champions League games, according to WhoScored.

Van de Beek has the talent and quality to be a success in the Premier League.