Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City and Everton have all been interested in signing Dutch international and Southampton star Virgil van Dijk.
Now, reports suggest that even Arsenal want to secure the signature of the highly rated central defender.
According to Telegraph, the North Londoners have made a move to hire the services of the 25-year-old star, who has a contract with the Saints until 2022 and is going to cost around 50 million pounds ($64million) in the summer transfer window.
The former Celtic star was in top form for Southampton before suffering a foot injury in the month of January and since then he has been out of action.
Last summer, Arsene Wenger splashed the cash and secured the signing of German international Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia. The Kaiser has shown glimpses of quality but has not been consistent at the back as Arsenal have regularly leaked goals in the current campaign.
In such a scenario, the Gunners need a strong leader of the defense and Van Dijk would be the perfect man for the job. The Netherlands center half is tall, powerful and commands the back line brilliantly.
Recently, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers heavily praised Virgil and claimed (Talksport):
“He’s (Van Dijk) 6ft 4in, he’s fast, he can play, he’s an international footballer, he’s good in the air – he’s got everything. You saw that in a player like Wanyama when he was up here as well, you know they’re a top player”
Virgil is effective in the attack from set piece situations as well. This season, he has netted 4 goals in 30 appearances for the Saints.
Also Read: Welbeck Starts – Arsenal’s Strongest Possible 3-4-3 XI vs Leicester
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So gabriel and matersaker are going out.central defenders,kos,mustaphi,holding&van.we need another holding midfielder,a winger and a striker.
why can’t we just sign Aubameyang,sell Giroud to Marseille if they are willing to pay $20mill.thats a good deal for his age….Aubameyang is tested and trusted … he has pace, good finishing and can create…really would complement Alexis upfront and can even play anywhere upfront…Dortmund will release him for $50mill
Typical – we could have signed him from Celtic before he joined the saints. Now english football has seen how good he really is he will cost over double that saints paid. Yet another player we have missed! – remember Yaya
Toure had a trial and we also picked Walcott when we could have had Bale
I also would agree in Arsenal selling Giroud, and acquiring the service of either Lukaku or Aubemayang, thus we can score many more goals and worry only with the strengthening our defense.
Giroud, Matersacker, Gibbs, Elneny, Ospina, should be sold…Gabriel as backup for Bellerin, Van/Manolas in….Aubamayan/Lukaku in…and a proven midfielder in….
Bonaroca:- Just watched the Arsenal /Leicester match which ended in a win for Arsenal. Well, I will
this , until Mr Wenger changes the present game system Arsenal play, it is useless getting top players.
Of course I do not mind having top players and insisting of playing the game approximately 33% back
wards I consider waste of money. There seems to be another agenda in the system is keep the ball at
you feet first turn right the turn left and the next pass goes to the opposing player. I would not like these
players that I am sure 60,000 spectators know who they are.