The huge Ajax blow that could lead to Arsenal double summer transfer swoop

Ajax's failure to qualify for European football could work in Arsenal's favour as a pair of stars from the Dutch club are linked with summer transfers to the Emirates Stadium.

As the next window of opportunity make alterations to Mikel Arteta 's squad approaches, Arsenal chiefs will be getting their plans in order. One big change that is expected is in the goalkeeping department.

This season David Raya has nailed down his starting spot and won the Premier League's golden glove award whilst on loan from Brentford in a deal that saw him move for an initial £3m, then £27m will be paid to make the transfer permanent this year. With regards to the Spaniard, no issues there.

The problem therefore lies in who will be his deputy. Aaron Ramsdale lost his place as a result of Raya's arrival, and at 25-years-old with ambitions to play for England, he has understandably been linked with a move away.

A replacement would be needed if this is the case so along with Wojciech Szczesny and Jason Steele, the Evening Standard claim that Diant Ramaj of Ajax has been scouted. With a pass completion rate of 76 percent this campaign he sits in the upper percentile for goalkeepers in the Eredevisie in a category that is highly-valued by Arteta.

The same report also states that even with the best record in the English top-flight, Arsenal will seek to bolster their defensive ranks too. Again, they could look to Ajax - as they did when signing Jurrien Timber in 2023 - to recruit 18-year-old Jorrel Hato.

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At his young age he has already been handed the captain's armband by his current club and made his senior Netherlands debut last year. Hato would provide a strong left-footed option that could grow over many years, though Ajax are intent on keeping their promising talent.

Their hopes might not be enough though as Arsenal will be able to offer one thing Ajax can't - European football. The Gunners have already qualified for next year's Champions League via the Premier League whereas their Dutch counterparts are on course for their lowest league finish in 14 years as they miss out on UEFA competition entirely.

Last year it seemed disastrous when a final-day loss to FC Twente confirmed they would not be in the Champions League, but this year it has been even more so as with four matches remaining they sit nine points behind AZ Alkmaar in the Eredevisie's Europa Conference League spot.

Therefore barring a miracle, Ajax will not have continental football to draw in new talent, nor keep hold of their own ambitious stars.