Why Arsenal must plot a summer swoop for Ajax defender Daley Blind
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are one of a number of teams monitoring Ajax defender Daley Blind’s situation at Ajax.
Daley Blind, 29, made an emotional return for Ajax last week, little over two months after undergoing heart surgery. He returned to the pitch in the 77th minute of the KNVB Cup quarter-finals, which saw his team maul Vitesse 6-0. In all, he has made 28 appearances this season.
The Netherlands international has shone following his return to Ajax in 2018 and now looks set to be one of a number of players who could apparently be heading for the exit this summer, according to The Athletic.
Meanwhile, Arsenal signed Pablo Mari from Flamengo and Cedric Soares from Southampton (both on loan) during the January transfer window as new boss Mikel Arteta solely focused on strengthening his defensive options. The Gunners have leaked 34 goals in 26 games so far this season, however, they have improved considerably under Arteta.
Sunday’s thumping 4-0 win over Newcastle United meant Arsenal kept consecutive league clean sheets for the first time in over ten months. They are now 10th in the table, seven points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Regardless of William Saliba officially joining the club from Saint-Etienne at the end of the season, Arteta should add depth to his defensive ranks in order to compete for trophies next term.
In that regard, a player like Daley Blind could be of great help for the Gunners. Blind spent four seasons with Manchester United, managing 141 appearances across all competitions. He won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League with the Mancunian giants.
He returned to Ajax two years ago and made 56 appearances across all competitions last season, playing a key role in the club’s spectacular run to the Champions League semi-finals. Overall, Blind has volumes of top-flight experience, having played 385 games in his club career. He has also represented the Netherlands 66 times.
Read more
- Why Arsenal should go for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the summer
- Why Arsenal should make a move for Ajax’s Donny van de Beek
- Why Arsenal must make a move for Villarreal’s Pau Torres in the summer
Not to forget, the 29-year-old is a versatile player as he is capable of playing in central defence, left-back and also in the midfield. This would give Arteta more options in those areas of the pitch. Blind’s versatility would make him such a useful option for Arsenal if they manage to secure his signature.
Verdict
For a player like Blind who has volumes of European experience and international pedigree, Arsenal must sign him during the summer transfer window. All in all, he would be a smart signing for the Gunners.
