1.15 PM Thursday, 28 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:57 06:11 12:27 15:53 18:37 19:51
28 March 2024

Ajax defender Vertonghen is heading to Arsenal

Jan Vertonghen (centre) of Ajax controls the ball during a training session at De Toekomst training ground in Amsterdam, Netherlands.(GETTY)

Published
By Staff

It could be a busy summer for Arsenal as manager Arsene Wenger hints at bringing in several new players before the start of next season.

After surving a traumatic start to the season following the departures of Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Cesc Fabregas last summer, Wenger wants to go on all-out offensive to rebuild the side.

Having already shown his intent by reportedly signing Cologne striker Lukas Podolski, Wenger has been linked with Lille's attacking midfielder Eden Hazard and Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen.

"At the moment we are so focused on finishing the season well, though, because what we have done over the past two months is exceptional," Wenger told the Metro.

That has not stopped him making initial overtures to several potential new recruits.

Hazard, also wanted by Manchester City, has emerged as one of the most sought after players in Europe after he helped Lille win the title last season.

Ajax veteran Vertonghen could be the answer to Arsenal's leaky defence. The Belgium international is also good friends with Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, with the pair playing together at Ajax and also for their country.

Ajax manager Frank de Boer virtually confirmed that Vertonghen’s move to Arsenal next season is already a done-deal.

“Yes we’ve already discussed it,” de Boer was reported as saying in aljazeera.com.

“When there’s a club that he’s already interested in - and it’s really got to be a good club - then he will leave. It’s 100 per cent sure.
 
“I think he’s ready to make a next step. For us, it’s a setback, of course, to miss that kind of quality player.”
 
Vertonghen, 24, has been described as an elegant and technical ball-playing central defender who can play in other positions.