Steve Rowley was in Holland on Sunday to watch Feyenoord’s 2-2 draw with ADO Den Haag. Rowley was at the Kyocera Stadion to watch on loan winger Ryo Miyaichi and defender Stefan de Vrij.
Arsenal’s Head of Scouting was primarily there to make a report on Miyaichi, who is on loan with Feyenoord until the end of the season. The 18-year-old has earned mass attention from his three Eredivise games so far, which has led to Arsenal banning all interviews with the prospect, in a bid to calm the hype surrounding him.
Rowley was not just there to watch the Japanese youngster, though. Respected Dutch TV outlet Studio Voetbal confirmed he was also making checks on 19-year-old Stefan de Vrij, who is rated as one of the best young prospects in Holland.
De Vrij is a six foot two inch versatile defender, who can play either centre half or right back. He has been a regular in the Feyenoord side this season, picking up a number of rave reviews due to his battling displays and impressive leadership.
Studio Voetbal host and journalist Jack van Gelder said a deal for de Vrij could be done in the summer, for a fee of €3.5 million plus the extension of Miyaichi’s loan until the end of next season. This is thought to be speculation but Arsenal’s interest in the promising defender is expected to continue.
Stefan is contracted to Feyenoord until the summer of 2012.