Arsenal fans are probably still undergoing paroxysms of delight over their signing of FC Koln’s £10m man Lukas Podolski. Yet scarcely had the deal been confirmed before we were hearing news of another potential Arsenal signing. It seems that Arsene Wenger has learned from the mistakes of last summer. He’s no longer content to rest on his laurels and sit out the transfer window waiting for a bargain. He appears to be actively looking for a bargain and he’s starting his search early.
The man rumoured to be Arsenal’s next signing is Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen. According to The Metro the Gunners have opened preliminary negotiations with Ajax and hope to snatch the player up for just £7m. This is one of European footballs best defenders. If these reports are true, the Gunners could be about to pick up a real bargain.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle have all kept tabs on the big Belgium International, but for the time being Arsenal look like the forerunners.
Jan’s Ajax captain for a reason. He’s a dominating presence at the centre of the Dutch League leaders defence, exudes authority and can organise a defence. His height and power mean he’s got real aerial presence, but he’s now slouch along the deck either. He reads the game well enough to always get his body in the way of opposition attacks and he’s got the physicality to soak up anything that’s thrown at him.
That’s a healthy list of superlatives before we’ve even arrived at his versatility. He can play pretty much anywhere across the back-four and he’s also handy as a defensive midfielder. Arsenal fans would no doubt welcome Alex Song receiving a little more competition for his place in the squad. He’s a world-class midfielder, but he can sometimes lack a little discipline.
Having Vertonghen on board would also offer the Gunners a little more security when it comes to injuries. Arsenal often draw the short-straw when it comes to injuries but Vertonghen’s utility should offer a valuable counterpoint.
With Thomas Vermaelen (his international team mate) playing alongside him at the Emirates, I doubt it would take him too long to fit in. If he does join Arsenal will have four top centre-backs on their books: Vertonghen, Vermaelen, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. Would that be enough to put an end to the claims that the Gunners are a soft touch at the back?
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