Though these kind of articles usually devolve into petty squabbling and unmoveable partisan positioning, I think it’s an interesting question. Will Arsenal come to regret letting Ajax’s Jan Vertonghen slip through their fingers and join their North London rivals Tottenham?
According to The Sun, Harry Redknapp’s mysterious departure from Spurs has done little to reduce the Belgium stoppers resolve to make a move to White Hart Lane. His agent Mustapha Nakhli has told reporters:
“Nothing has changed at all. He is coming to Tottenham for the club and not for the manager. Managers come and go. Of course Jan is sorry that Harry Redknapp is no longer there but he is going for the club. We have a good relationship with Daniel Levy. He wants the deal to happen and there is a good atmosphere (between us). I don’t know when it will happen but the deal is close, very close.”
It looks as though Vertonghen’s move to Tottenham will be completed sooner rather than later – perhaps even by the time that this article is published.
The Ajax captain has spent the last month or so talking up a move to Tottenham. He recently suggested that Tottenham were his ‘first choice’, but looked to force the move by noting “…Arsenal want me too. They remain a possibility if my Spurs move falls through, as Ajax are asking £12m for me”.
And despite his interest in Spurs, it’s not the first time that he’s batted his eyelids in Arsenal’s direction: “Arsenal are a magnificent club and I hear a lot of good things about English football. If a club of Arsenal’s calibre can reach agreement with Ajax, then I will gladly go over. I have instructed my agent carefully. He knows which clubs I want to join – and Arsenal are one of them.”
He clearly has no idea of the rivalry between the two clubs. Fans from both clubs must be a little disappointed to see the talented 24-year-old play the two clubs off against each other. But there’s little doubting his ability. He’s played more than 200 games in the Eredivisie and established himself as one of the best young defenders in world football.
He can play anywhere across the defence and also take up the defensive midfielder role. He’s extremely versatile, flings himself into tackles and can is a ball playing centre-forward.
I can’t help but feel as though the levels of disappointment amongst Arsenal fans will depend on how much truth there is to the Yann M’Vila rumours. Yann plays a similar role for France (and Rennes) as Vertonghen does for Ajax. He’s an established international for one of world football’s best sides. Whilst he’s predominantly in the side for his defensive ability and tenacity, he can also spray the ball about with some aplomb.
I’d argue that he’d be a better signing that Vertonghen – though I’m sure Spurs fans will disagree and want to stick their oar in.
What’s your take? Who would be a better signing Vertonghen or M’Vila
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At this moment in time thanks to that fantastic WBA keeper we’re the champs league team any player with any ambition at all would be running here to join but the truth is Wenger in my opinion isn’t interested (wish he was) If he was asked about this in an interview bet he’d say the same thing……
Forgot to mention McVila would be my first choice as we have quite a few centre backs already..
“I’d argue that he’d be a better signing that Vertonghen”
And you’re saying that because Vertonghen is going to Spurs or because you really think that’s the case?
Vertonghen is a fantastic player, definately better than M’Vila. Though I don’t think you can really compare the two, Vertonghen is versatile, but in essence he’s a CB, while M’Vila is a DM. He’s captain of Ajax, has european and internation experience. Whenever I see M’vila play for France or when Rennes was in the EL I was kind of dissapointed by his performances.
@goona: wenger was interested, Arsenal made contact with Vertonghen, we just don’t know how serious those talks were. I think Wenger really wanted Vertonghen, perfect Wenger signing, being all versatile, Ajax captain, good on the ball, will suit Arsenal playing style, etc. But the thing is, Ajax wants 15 million euro’s for him, which Wenger, tight as he is with money, just won’t pay.
I don’t think it makes any sense trying to compare the two players, because their roles are quite different. Vetonghen is an excellent player, and where he ends up will not change that fact. I only hope Aw signs both players, and Arsenal fans can Surely look forward to an outstanding Season.