Transfer Rumor: Is Arsenal looking to add a Feyenoord youngster?

As Mikel Arteta and Edu refashion Arsenal back into a Champions League, and hopefully, a Premier League title contending side, they must find a balance between improving the team in the short term and beginning to adjust the club’s depth chart, formation, and player profiles. Which brings us to Lamare Bogarde, a young defensive midfielder - and potentially long term centerback - for Feyenoord and the Dutch youth national teams.

The Report

Football Insider is reporting that Arsenal and north London rivals Tottenham are interested in trying to pry Bogarde away this summer. In both instances the midfielder would likely arrive as part of the club’s U23 sides playing in the Premier League 2, with the idea that after a year adjusting to England he could push on to the senior side.

The Player

Club History: Joined the Swift Boys academy at age seven before moving to Feyenoord in 2011.

Experience: This past season Bogarde made 19 appearances with two goals and four assists in the U17 Eredivisie league.

International Level: Appearances for the Netherlands U15 and U16 sides.

Position(s): Defensive Midfielder, with the occasional match at centerback.

Contract Situation: Youth contract with Feyenoord, available to sign this summer.

Projected Value: As a youth player he has yet to sign a senior contract with Feyenoord and thus his estimated value is unknown. Arsenal would likely be able get him for under $10 million.

The Arsenal Situation

The Gunners are in need of an overhaul in the midfield. And the defensive line. Truthfully, most everywhere. But one thing at a time. Regardless Lamare Bogarde would arrive as part of the Arsenal U23 side, so depth or competition among the first team doesn’t factor in the same way it will for most transfers this summer. Bogarde wouldn’t be signed to challenge Xhaka or even Guendouzi, but gain experience in the Arsenal system and prepare to challenge for Arteta’s senior squad the following season.

The Outlook

Favorable. With Robbie Burton’s exit this past January, the U23 side is in need of a new starting midfield pushing the edges of the first team. While the academy side has had success the past few seasons, only Joe Willock has broken through in the midfield lately. Ainsley Maitland-Niles might have if not needed at right-back, but Arsenal can always use another talented option ready to challenge. With funds for expensive signings potentially limited this summer, the club may have more luck pursuing younger players - for both the first team and the U23 side.