Jan Vertonghen

What you guys think about him? Daily Mail is reporting we are in talks with him, and also been mentioned by many reliable sources on Twitter.

He's a left footed centreback, captain of Ajax, who can play anywhere in the back four. One year left in his contract so we can get him for cheap (6-8mil) and he's only 23-24 years old (I think). Belgian as well.

If we are into him then we can say bye bye to Djourou and Squillaci I guess. Kos-TV-Mertesacker-Vertonghen-Miquel-Bartley all capable of filling up the position (IF he signs). Also he has mentioned a few times last months that he would love to sign for us.

I think Djourou recently signed a contract extension. So I can't see where Vertoghen fits in Wenger's plans.

I like the idea of signing him. But maybe surplus to requirements.

We need someone that is either a definite starter, or an old head happy to fill in when needed.

I can't see this happening, where would he fit in? He's the captain of Ajax and at an age where he needs to be playing regular football, why would we pursue him when we've got 3 established CBs all around the same age as him and ahead of him in the pecking order?

CB is not the position we need to be filling.

Nah.

Deal will be announced soon. Fee is agreed.

He can also play in the central midfield area.

Would take him in a heart-beat, better than Djourou and Squillaci. Pretty much on the same level as Koscielny, Vermaelen and Mertesacker (who I rate behind Koscielny and Vermaelen).

Captain at Ajax. Scores his share of goals for a defender. Can play left-back and defensive-midfield too.

Definitely making the squad stronger.

Samritpal Singh wrote:Deal will be announced soon. Fee is agreed.

He can also play in the central midfield area.

Really? Where the hell are we going to play these people?

I realise people say "can play left back, midfield" etc etc but Vermaelen "can" play left back, he did this season and he was lightyears away from his peak as a centreback. He is a Centreback is he not? This worries me that other areas that need strengthening wont be now.

Jenks - would not be surprised by this move and personally, am quite excited about it. I reckon we will be spending in the range of £40 million this summer.

Podolski already announced. Vertonghen allegedly on the way. Am expecting us to sign another attacking player and a defensive mid-fielder as well (the last one baffles me a bit).

Hopefully, will be getting rid of alot of deadwood as well, which should fetch us over £20 million.

Does he fit into our strongest 11?

If not, I dont see the point right now, we bought too many squad players last season and we need to strengthen our first 11 imo.

Maybe not the first XI, but keeping in mind Vermaelen's injury record - if he is better than Mertesacker and Djourou, he will be adding to the starting XI.

We spent good money on Mertesacker, I cant for the life of me think he will be our 4th choice defender. He will be off within a week.

Mike, he has 1 year left and he wants to move. I'd take him in a heartbeat if he costs 6mil. What's to worry? We can do rotation. See when Koscielny got banned and Vermaelen got injured, Vertonghen can step up.

This better be true Sam.

Would he want to sit on our bench though? Normally id be happy but I really think we need a proper anchor in midfield and a left back above another centre back.

Does he get picked above Vermaelen at Centre Back for Belgium? Ive read people on here before that Vermaelen plays left back for Belgium?

I find it hard to believe that we have a deal in place for him. We have 3 very good CB's in the team all three of them better than him. If we get him we might use him as DM which puts and end to the M'vila rumors so I chose not to believe this.

If we have agreed the deal, wouldn't be surprised if it's announced at a strategic time - like if we fail to qualify for the CL.

Yes Vermaelen plays left back for Belgium. Vertonghen can play left back too. Also remember Kolo Toure was a right winger when he started. Petit was a left back.

Trust Wenger to bring the best out of players.

Yea, he might just buy M'vila and make him the next Cesc Fabregas.

Sami Rockfeller wrote:Yea, he might just buy M'vila and make him the next Cesc Fabregas.

Yeah. You never know.

he is a world class player available for cheap.
whats the harm?
we can always sell him next season for something like 15-20 millions.

vyom.chaudhary wrote:
we can always sell him next season for something like 15-20 millions.

Or 35mil to City

Yes because thats how football works.

I really fail to see how this is anything but a good move. He's captain of Ajax, a great CB (a lot of Ajax fans and writers say he's better than Vermaelen), and from what I've read it looks like Wenger will be turning him into a DM as deputy to Song which is a position we definitely need someone in. We rely too heavily on Song and I don't think Le Coq or Frimmy are ready to be his backup next season.

Vertonghen will get at least 15 starts a season and Arsenal is a definite step up from Ajax.

I am very very excited about this move.

Edit: In all likelihood this means the end for Squid and JD, which isn't really a bad thing now is it?

Really happy Wenger is wrapping up transfers early this year.

He can play left back, center back and defensive mid. Knowing our injuries, i say he'll get at least 15 starts and 25 appearances overall.

Where would you accommodate 4 decent CB's? I still find this news hard to believe.