‘Ambitious’ star delighted with Arsenal interest, he’s open to transfer abroad | OneFootball

Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow has expressed his delight over the transfer links with Arsenal and Liverpool after missing out on a move to Manchester United last summer.

The Netherlands international was on the Red Devils’ radar last year, but they chose to sign Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir from Inter Milan and Fenerbahce respectively.

In an interview with Voetbal Zone, the 26-year-old was asked about the interest: “That’s also football, isn’t it? You don’t know when something will or won’t happen.”

“They [United] made the choice for someone else at the time. But I’m happy that I could play another season for Feyenoord.”

Arsenal and Liverpool have identified Bijlow as a top target for the back-up goalkeeper role and when pressed on their interest, the Dutchman was pleased with the transfer links.

He added: “Those are two very nice clubs. Of course it is always nice to be mentioned at big clubs. What I’m just saying: I’m ambitious.”

“As long as I play for Feyenoord, I’ll give everything for that and first I just want to focus on the Dutch team.”

Bijlow added that he would welcome an opportunity with a good club abroad but remains committed to Feyenoord as long as he plays there.

“Would I stay at Feyenoord?” he said. “You never know, do you? That’s football. You don’t know that. I’m ambitious – I’ve always said that.

“If the opportunity presents itself and a good club comes from abroad, I am open to it. I’ve always said that.

“As long as I am under contract with Feyenoord, that is never a punishment and I will give everything as long as I play there.”

Bijlow could replace Ramsdale at Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale was replaced by David Raya as the first-choice goalkeeper in September last year.

The Spaniard retained his position for the remainder of the campaign. He ended up with the Premier League Golden Glove award for keeping 16 clean sheets.

Ramsdale was limited to just 11 appearances for the season. The Englishman will likely move on this summer to secure regular playing time. Arsenal could replace him with Bijlow,

The Dutchman averaged 46 touches and 33 passes per game in the Eredivisie last term. He had a passing accuracy of 86 percent with six long balls per outing.

Bijlow’s main concern over the past year has been his injury record, but this should not bother the Gunners, considering he would only be a back-up.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.