Arsenal poised to deliver Spurs another blow

Arsenal may inflict yet another blow to Tottenham by snatching Ajax ace Jan Vertonghen.

Newcastle and Spurs have been trailing the Belgium international centre-back all season with Spurs emerging as hot favourites to clinch a £10 million summer deal.

But the Gunners are on the brink of luring Vertonghen to the Emirates.

Vertonghen made a secret visit to London last Tuesday and was at the Emirates to watch Arsenal’s thrilling 3-0 Champions League win over AC Milan, according to the Mirror.

He had met up with his close friend and international team-mate Thomas Vermaelen and told him he was impressed by the football Arsenal produced.

Vertonghen has just one year remaining on his Ajax contract and has refused to sign a new deal.

Last summer Ajax blocked Vertonghen’s projected exit by slapping a £20m price tag on his head.

Ajax coach Frank de Boer said: “Jan won’t go anywhere for less than that figure.”

However, Vertonghen is determined to make his move this summer.

He said: “I am ready for a move abroad now. I have played at Ajax for almost six years in the first team and I think it is time to make another step in my career."

Joining Vermaelen at Arsenal would be the most logical move. Vertonghen moved to Ajax from Belgian side Germinal Beerschot with Vermaelen when the duo were teenagers.

In 2008 they formed a partnership in the centre of defence at Ajax and had one of their most succesful seasons.

Vertonghen is a versatile player who can play left back, central defender and as a holding midfielder.

Vertonghen says the board of Ajax have not tried hard to give him a new mega deal.

“They have said they want to sit down and talk about a new deal, but I think they realise that I could be leaving anyway. And I do think that a nice move is on the way for me.”

Spurs still hope they can convince the player to move to White Hart Lane.
 

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