Should Arsenal be looking to add a little more Belgian inspiration to their defense?

There has been a lot of chatter throughout the Press about the possibility of Arsenal bringing Ajax Captain Jan Vertonghen to the Emirates this summer. Of course it’s hard to know how much of these reports are true. The Mirror has claimed that Vertonghen paid a covert visit to London last Tuesday to watch the Gunners beat AC Milan 3-0 and was impressed by what he saw (so we were Jan). There’s nothing like a bit of footballing espionage to liven up a transfer rumour.

They then claim that Vertonghen met up with his fellow Belgium International Thomas Vermaelen to discuss a potential move to Arsenal. The two players go a long way back – they were part of a successful Ajax defensive partnership back in 2008 and I’m sure both individuals would be keen to team up once more. I’m just not sure if any of these conversations and covert meetings ever actually happened, especially as The Mirror fail to provide a source.

However, the player himself has mentioned on numerous occasions that he’s ready for a new challenge and may well fancy a move to the Premier League. What’s more Jan was a guest pundit on a Eredivisie highlight show and when questioned about the potential of signing for Arsenal, he seemed very keen. But is this a transfer that Arsenal really need to make?

Yes, Arsenal have been renowned for their poor defence in recent seasons, but things seem to have gotten much better in that department in recent times. There’s now the aforementioned Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and the gangly German Per Mertesacker. In fact, at the moment it’s a little difficult to tell who Arsenal’s first choice centre-back pairing is.

Vermaelen is a natural born leader, Koscielny is an incredible force that seems to be improving ever single game and Per is a great organiser. So do the Gunners really need another centre-back?

The main selling point when it comes to Vertonghen (at least for me) is that he mixes genuine defensive nous with versatility. Though he has mainly been played as a centre-back he can provide cover in both full-back positions and also play as a defensive midfielder. Just look at the way Arsenal’s defence was torn apart by injuries this season. Wouldn’t it have been useful to have a player like Vertonghen who could have filled in anywhere he was needed?

What’s more, I’ve always held that Alex Song needs some competition for his place – perhaps Vertonghen would be able to provide this.

When you consider that this would also force Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci further away from the Gunner’s starting line-up, the transfer starts to look even more appealing. The main consideration here should be this: does he add something to Arsenal’s squad? Then it should be: is he available at a reasonable price? If the answer to both questions is yes (which I believe it is) then snap him up!

What’s your take? Would you take Jan Vertongen at the Emirates?

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