Arsenal’s transfer gossip in recent weeks has largely orientated around their quest to sign Thomas Lemar from Monaco, whilst the Gunners also battle to keep Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates Stadium. However, it seems Arsene Wenger isn’t just focusing on his attack.
Recent reports suggest that Arsenal are expressing an interest in Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk and are prepared to pay a lofty sum of around £45m to bring the centre-back to North London, where he’d complete a devastating back-line.
Arsenal look set to continue with a three-man defence next season and Van Dijk would excel alongside Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi, whilst Gabriel Paulista, Rob Holding, Nacho Monreal and Per Mertesacker present very capable alternatives.
The Gunners’ pre-season campaign is showing that Arsenal need more numbers centrally in defence, with Mohamed Elneny having to step-in at the back during the recent victory over Western Sydney Wanderers, and adding another top-class defender to their ranks is advisable.
Whilst the team looks good on paper, Arsenal’s injury record speaks for itself and the Gunners could encounter huge issues if they suffer any defensive injuries. On top of that, many are unconvinced by Gabriel Paulista, Per Mertesacker is entering his final year as a professional and Rob Holding is still very raw.
Arsenal will also need the ability to rotate due to their involvement in the Europa League and Van Dijk would significantly bolster the Gunners defence, whilst the Dutch international would also add leadership qualities to the back-line that have been lacking in recent years.
Liverpool continue to be linked with Van Dijk but their transfer mishap, which saw them issue a public apology to Southampton after tapping-up the 26-year-old, means that Southampton would probably rather sell to someone else- and Arsenal can use that to their advantage. Chelsea were also heavliy linked with Van Dijk but the West Londoners may not be so keen now that they have secured Antonio Rüdiger from Roma in a big money move.
Arsenal could also use young defender Calum Chambers as makeweight in a deal, as the England U21 international faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal certainly have a big chance of ensuring this deal goes ahead.
Van Dijk’s addition would be a significant upgrade on Arsenal’s defence and would hand them a real boost in their quest for Premier League glory, which means this is a deal the Gunners can’t really afford to miss out on.