Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Ajax ready Premier League raid as Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool stars 'seriously considered'

Evan Lloyd

Correspondent AUTHORITY NCTJ-qualified football journalist with experience at VAVEL, Hayters TV, SPORTbible, and Centredevils. FOCUS Premier League analysis, tactical deep-dives, and original opinion content across Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Celtic. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides specialist tactical and analytical content to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and understand the full picture.

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Ajax are reportedly seriously considering moves for defensive midfielders from three of the Premier League's big six this month.

The Eredivisie club are looking to target the Premier League to strengthen Fred Grim's squad, as they look to turn their season around.

Ajax signed Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer in December, after the Japan international left Arsenal in the summer.

And Jorrel Hato was also linked with a return to Ajax on loan, but Chelsea's international loan spots are set to prove a stumbling block for any deal.

Oleksandr Zinchenko playing for Nottingham Forest
Zinchenko is set to join Ajax (Credit: Imago)

Ajax weigh up moves for Premier League stars

Ajax have struggled in the Eredivisie this season, and made the decision to sack former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga in November.

Grim was the former Everton defender's assistant manager, and he has since taken over on an interim basis.

Problems have remained for the Dutch giants, however, with Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven holding an 18-point gap over the 36-time winners.

Qualification for the Champions League now appears to be the only realistic goal, and Ajax are considering moves for players in the Premier League this month to aid those aims.

Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard
Norgaard is among those targeted by Ajax (Credit: Imago)

De Telegraaf reported on Wednesday that sporting director Marijn Beuker has flown to Turkey to discuss moves for Leon Bailey, former Arsenal man Lucas Torreira and Edson Alvarez.

Also on his list, moves for Man United's Manuel Ugarte, Liverpool's Wataru Endo, and Arsenal's Christian Norgaard are "seriously considered", according to the paper.

Ajax's chances of raiding Premier League giants

There is little chance of Arsenal allowing Norgaard to leave this month, despite the Dane's lack of minutes.

The 31-year-old has made just 11 appearances across all competitions this season, but represents the very limited depth the Gunners have for Martin Zubimendi.

Manuel UgartePremier League 2025-26
Appearances16
Duels won68
Tackles39
Dribbled past14
Dispossessed10

It is much of a similar story for Endo, who has spent much of the season injured but remains one of the only alternatives Arne Slot has to Ryan Gravenberch.

Ugarte, on the other hand, could be a potential option to leave Man United. The Red Devils have the capacity to look elsewhere in the market this month, and have just 16 games left to play this season.

Should Ajax be hoping to take a defensive midfielder from the Premier League this month, the Uruguayan may well be their best bet.

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