Rio Ferdinand has delivered his verdict on an in-demand player linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners have already begun plans for next season, even though they have plenty to play for in the coming weeks.
Mikel Arteta has the chance to guide Arsenal to the Premier League and Champions League, but is also keeping an eye on potential recruits when the transfer window opens.
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Rio Ferdinand is a big fan of Arsenal target Kees Smit
Ferdinand has waxed lyrical over Kees Smit’s future as he is linked with a number of clubs.
The former Manchester United defender is a huge fan of the AZ Alkmaar midfielder’s potential and believes that any club should snap up his services if they get the chance.
Ferdinand has watched the 20-year-old a couple of times, and he has urged clubs to sign him even if it will take him a year to become a first-team regular.
This comes after Arsenal Insider reported that Arsenal are ‘closer’ than Bayern Munich in the race to sign the Netherlands international.
Scouts at the Emirates Stadium are also impressed with what they have seen of Smit, and have urged the hierarchy to bring him to North London.
Ferdinand told Rio Presents: “Kees Smit is the truth, man. I’m telling you.
“He’s the one you go: ‘I’m buying him. It doesn’t have to be for right now. I hope that he comes in and takes the world by storm. But if we’ve got to wait six months to a year for him, I do not care because we can’t let him go elsewhere.’
“I’ve seen him play a couple of times now and that’s all I need to see.”
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How Mikel Arteta can get the best out of Smit
Given how stacked the Arsenal midfield is, Smit undoubtedly will have to earn a spot in the starting eleven.
For the first two seasons, the 20-year-old may have to be a bit-part player who can learn the ropes in the Premier League and get up to speed.
What Arteta could look to do is gradually ramp up his game time every few months and see how he responds to the increased intensity.
The Spaniard could also conduct individual training drills for him and start him in the earlier rounds of cups to see if he can handle the English game.
Smit is good at progressing the ball, so he would likely be deployed as a no.8, playing slightly ahead of Declan Rice.
The Dutchman could also speak to some of the other Arsenal players who have moved from less physical leagues and ask them how they adapted to life in England.
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