Arsenal was briefly interested in signing, Ajax star Calvin Bassey from Rangers before the center-back moved to Ajax in the summer.
22-year-old Ajax star Calvin Bassey signed for Ajax for £20.7m in the summer after reported interest from a number of clubs. “Arsenal contacted us and we made it known to Rangers, but they didn’t follow up on the discussion,” a rep from Bassey’s agency told Own Goal Nigeria. “We also had interest from Aston Villa and West Ham but in the end, Ajax had the best offer.
“Not in terms of money but for his development. They promised regular game time.”
Arsenal was of course scrambling for a midfielder as the window closed but Ajax star, Bassey moved on 20 July, showing they were interested in a midfielder long before their deadline day chase of Douglas Luiz.
Ajax star Bassey has made 13 appearances for Ajax so far this season, scoring one and assisting four, playing all but six minutes of the Amsterdam side’s season if you ignore the minutes he missed after being shown a straight red in the Johan Cruyff Shield.
The 22-year-old moved for £19.6million to a side that rarely fails in the transfer market, and has instantly slotted in the spot vacated by Lisandro Martinez following his move to Manchester United.
The versatile defender has been utilised solely as a centre back this season alongside another Man United target, Jurrien Timber, and has so far excelled.
THE bumper fee which Ajax paid to Rangers for Calvin Bassey has been questioned by a Dutch football legend.
René van der Gijp reckons the Eredivisie giants paid too much for the Nigeria international during the summer.
Bassey joined the Amsterdam club during the latest window, with Rangers happy to let their top talent go for a record fee of £20million.
With subsequent add-ons, the overall fee could rise to as high as £23million.
However, the ex-Leicester City academy player has endured a ropey start to life at Ajax, with some pundits and fans disappointed with his recent performances.
