Arsenal and Chelsea have shown strong interest in Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël, who has made a notable impact at the start of the 2026-27 season. The 22-year-old returned to Feyenoord after successful loan spells at Sparta Rotterdam and Utrecht, quickly establishing himself as a key player in midfield.
Zechiël’s style of play combines energy, effective ball progression, and attacking contributions, making him an attractive prospect for Premier League teams seeking modern central midfielders. Pelle Clement described Zechiël as a player with exceptional ‘football intelligence’.
Premier League Clubs Keep Close Watch on Zechiël
Insider sources reveal that Arsenal and Chelsea have been closely monitoring Zechiël ahead of the upcoming January transfer window. Feyenoord, however, are keen to retain their midfielder and are not willing to let him leave for a low fee.
During the summer transfer window, Lille made multiple bids for Zechiël, with their final offer reported to be around €17 million including bonuses, but Feyenoord turned down the proposal. Zechiël himself acknowledged the seriousness of Lille’s interest but expressed contentment at remaining with Feyenoord for now. Negotiations between Feyenoord and Lille reportedly took place earlier in the summer, with Feyenoord holding out for a significant valuation given how highly they rate the player.
Why Premier League Interest Makes Sense
Zechiël fits the profile often sought by clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea – a young, technically gifted midfielder with mobility and potential to develop further. His current form at Feyenoord underscores his ability to influence games through passing accuracy and goal contributions from midfield, indicating he offers more than just possession management.
While the initial €17 million offer was rejected last summer, it is believed that Feyenoord’s asking price may now be considerably higher, potentially around €30 million. With Zechiël producing some of the best performances of his career and no urgent need for Feyenoord to sell, any interested Premier League club could face a premium to secure his services.
The January transfer window could prove interesting if Arsenal or Chelsea decide to escalate their pursuits, but anyone looking to sign Zechiël will likely have to invest based on both his current output and future potential.