Scouting For Wenger – This 20-Year-Old Ajax Midfielder Linked With Arsenal Has What It Takes To Play For The Gunners

Scout Report – Frenkie De Jong

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The 20-year-old has been quite impressive and is often touted as one of the best young talents. He broke into the Eredivisie side this season and has also been the subject of talk regarding a move to Arsenal.

However, such talents are usually not recipient to attention from just one club, so Arsene Wenger will have to steal a march on his rivals by opening talks with the Ajax midfielder. This seems like the ideal time to sign the youngster since De Jong only has 18 months left on his contract. He has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season for the Dutch club but he could be on his way out soon enough.

Let’s take a look at De Jong’s profile.

History

Born in Arkel, Netherlands, De Jong started at Willem II before moving to Ajax and playing for their youth team in the second-tier. He rapidly rose through the ranks with his scintillating displays, which also saw him win the Talent of the Season award. In fact, many people may remember him from the Europa League final last season against Manchester United, which did play a major role in putting him on the radar of top European clubs.

The 20-year-old has steadily risen among the ranks after his first-team debut for Ajax last November and has greatly impressed for the Dutch giants this season as the side sit second in the Eredivisie table behind PSV Eindhoven.

Playing Style

A prolific dribbler, De Jong is widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the Dutch League. He is equally adept at passing and launching crosses, while he also has a penchant for taking long shots. He can hold on to the ball well and is strong at maintaining possession to keep up the pace of game.

De Jong is a bit weak at aerial challenges but besides that, he seems to be a solid young talent, who’d be a valuable addition for any side.

De Jong’s Future

A move to Arsenal might seem enticing but De Jong is unlikely to leave familiar terrain to join a foreign club. He is too young for that, and he seems to have established himself quite strongly at Ajax, whereas at Arsenal, he would have to do so from the scratch.

The Gunners recently secured their own talented young central midfielder to a long-term contract, with Joe Willock putting pen to paper last week. However, there could soon be room in the squad for another central midfielder, with the futures of Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla still unresolved. So, if the deal for de Jong goes through, it will certainly benefit the club.