Arsenal Transfer Rumor: Gunners Ready To Bring In Big Belgian Defense Expert?

If rumors are to be believed, North London-based Premier League giant Arsenal are set to bring in Dutch Eredivisie club Ajax defender and skipper Belgian Jan Vertonghen as soon as the transfer window opens in summer.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had previously heaped praises on the 24-year-old's gameplay and tactics and had also revealed his liking for the player. Now the Gunners have been rumored to lure away the defender from Ajax to add more strength to the team's backline.

The boss is looking to maintain the team's good run of form going into the next season and is fully aware that a powerful backline is important in challenging for the title. Wenger believes that the Premier League, which is one of the best football leagues in the world, and the additional Champions League spot will help the team secure the services of the Belgian international to challenge for major honors next season.

Vertonghen has been previously linked with the Gunners and could be an important addition to the team. The Ajax captain can be efficiently played at centre back as a defensive midfielder and this characteristic is said to have interested Arsene Wenger who is also said to be lining up a bid somewhere around $16 million (£10 million) for the player who has just over a year to run on his current contract. The deal, if successful, will also see Vertonghen teaming up with his former defensive partner at Ajax and countryman Thomas Vermaelen.

Vertonghen had previously told Daily Mail that he had a liking for Arsenal and its gameplay and that if any kind of negotiations happened between the Gunners and Ajax, he would surely had gone to the Emirates Stadium. He also revealed that he has passed definite instructions to his agent about the choice of clubs he would like to play for and Arsenal is one of them.

However, the Gunners will know that not only will the player attract other suitors but the Amsterdam based side will also look to hold on to their most prized possession, according to a footmercato.net report.

Vertonghen has made as many as 212 appearances for Ajax in all competitions and has also managed to score 25 times. He has also made 36 appearances for Belgium.

Elsewhere, the Gunners are also said to be interested in Vertonghen's Ajax team mate, Danish attacking midfielder, Christian Eriksen, who is currently being considered as one of the brightest prospects in European football. The 20-year-old had played a major role in Ajax's successful Eredivisie title triumph last term.