By Fab4.
Arsenal are lining up a £25m double swoop on Dutch side Ajax after being linked with both Jan Vertonghen and Gregory van der Wiel. Arsene Wenger has admitted the need for defensive reinforcements ahead of next season, and has identified the Ajax pair as suitable candidates.
Wenger is looking to reunite Jan Vertonghen with his former Ajax team-mate Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of Arsenal’s defence next season. The Belgian centre-back was immense for the Gunners last year following a £12m switch and Arsene Wenger is hoping for similar success with the 22-year-old Vertonghen.
The pair formed a solid partnership in Holland and also know each other at international level as Vertonghen also represents Belgium. Primarily a centre-back, 6ft 2″ Vertonghen can also play as a defensive midfielder so no doubt his versatility is appealing to Wenger.
Vertonghen’s Ajax team-mate Gregory Van Der Wiel has also been linked with a big-money move to the Gunners in recent weeks. The highly-rated 22-year-old is currently away at the World Cup with Holland and has attracted interest from top clubs all over Europe, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among those thought to be weighing up a move for the powerful full-back.
But it’s the interest of Arsenal that has excited Van Der Wiel, so much so that he has spoken to Dutch team-mate Robin Van Persie about manager Arsene Wenger and life at Arsenal, while he also feels he would have no problems with life in the Premier League.
“Of course it’s nice to read that Arsenal are interested,” he said.”
I consider myself a good fit for the Premier League.
“Robin Van Persie has told me many stories about the Premier League, Arsenal and Mr (Arsene) Wenger. Maybe he can put in a good word for me.”
Wenger is on the look-out for defensive options as he looks set to lose four defenders from last years squad; William Gallas, Mikel Silvestre and Sol Campbell are all out of contract soon and Philippe Senderos has already joined Fulham on a free transfer. However, it’s likely that it will take at least £25m to force Ajax into selling two of their prized assets.
Would Arsenal fans like to see the Ajax pair at the club?
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