Arsenal have been linked with a £15 million swoop for the Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen. Where would he fit in?
Arsenal are obsessed with overhauling Tottenham right now. And after having Spurs fans rubbing their team’s ‘troubles’ in their faces all season, who can blame them.
So beating Tottenham to the signing of the highly-rated Jan Vertonghen of Ajax would be another victory for the Gunners, but do they really need him?
Vertonghen said he was very much looking forward to being reunited with Belgian international teammate Thomas Vermaelen, potentially a great partnership, but what about one of this season’s regulars, Laurent Koscienly.
Koscienly has been a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defence this season, and is one of the most improved players in the Premier League, after a difficult first season.
It would be harsh on him if he was suddenly cast aside and expected to spend next season watching from the sidelines.
Arsenal have plenty of cover at centre-back, with Per Mertesacker signed in August, and despite again, a tricky opening season, he would hope to improve next year once he recovers from the injury which has written him off for the rest of this campaign.
Arsenal also have the much derided pair of Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci, not to mention Ignasi Miquel- who should not be judged unfairly on when he has been thrown in at left-back.
Squillaci will be sold this summer, but Djourou will remain, having just signed a new contract at the club.
If Vertonghen is signed this would leave Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Koscielny and Mertesacker all competing for two spots, with Djourou and Miquel as back-up.
The six players would certainly leave Arsenal well covered, but would two of the main four be willing to spend time on the bench?
With Thomas Vermaelen’s recent injury history, the club will hope they are well covered, although fans will hope that like Robin van Persie, he has turned a corner with his fitness.
So the club will have to be careful, if they bring in Vertonghen, they risk alienating either Koscienly or Mertesacker.
We’re not saying they will up sticks and demand to leave, but if they spend the whole of next season sitting on the sidelines, they may begin to think about moving on.
Competition for places is good, and as an aside it would be satisfying to beat Tottenham to one of their transfer targets, but before shelling out £15 million, Arsene Wenger should ask himself if Jan Vertonghen is a player he really needs.
Do Arsenal need Vertonghen?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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