Two transfer targets keen to play for Arsenal, why they should sign them both

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Arsenal should look to sign both Virgil van Dijk and Antonio Rudiger.

Arsenal need to sign defensive reinforcements this January, an issue Arsene Wenger has already acknowledged.

So come-and-get me please from two centre-backs last week will have been noted with considerable interest.

Dutch international Virgil van Dijk, a regular at Celtic, addressed rumours last week, stating: “Arsenal are an amazing club.

“It’s a big club with a great history. I’m happy here just now and I want to play well and we’ll see what happens in the future.

“Until there are bids I can’t say thing. There is no rush to leave but you never know in the future.”

German prospect Antonio Rudiger was even more glowing, with the Stuttgart defender commenting: “I have been following Arsenal since the days of Henry and Bergkamp. My heart beats for Arsenal.”

Here’s a look at how both players compare, based on their seasons to date, with Van Dijk’s statistics based on Europa League appearances only:

Both players are credible options for Arsenal, but actually the real, and affordable solution, is to buy both defenders.

Van Dijk, 23, and Rudiger, 21, can both be long-term answers for improving the club’s defence, as well as instant improvements.

Both players are already internationals, and by moving now, Arsenal are potentially buying low. With Per Mertesacker 30, Arsenal would be looking to the future by buying a replacement for him early in Rudiger, while Van Dijk would represent a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen.

Arsenal could potentially buy both for £20 million, and substantially improve their backline to the point that it is addressed not only for this season, but coming years too.