Arsenal have been linked with a move for Ron Vlaar recently, and they’ve received a boost in their pursuit of the Dutch defender after his agent said he is ready for a ‘big move’.
The 29-year-old is out of contract in the summer and, despite Aston Villa wanting to keep the resolute centre-back, his representative believes the attraction of possibly playing for either Arsenal or Manchester United would be too good to turn down.
Vlaar’s agent Arnold Oosterveer said:
‘It is obvious that for Ron, now is the moment to make a nice big move in his career. Ron is very ambitious.
‘The situation is ideal for Ron right now. You can imagine that we are not in a hurry. I don’t want to react to the rumour that he will move to either Arsenal or Man United, but Ron is very ambitious.’
The Dutch international moved to Aston Villa from Feyenoord two years ago and has become a rock in the club’s defence, but with no sign of the player extending his stay at Villa Park, Paul Lambert may decide to cash in over the January transfer window rather than lose him on a free in the summer.
Arsenal’s defence has once again come under severe scrutiny and Wenger will know that he will need to reinforce his back-line to avoid further criticism from both the fans and the media.
Vlaar would be a good addition to the squad in my opinion and would certainly offer competition to both Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.
But Wenger will have to act fast if he wants to sign the Dutchman as Louis van Gaal will have the upper hand as he could persuade his fellow countryman to join him at Old Trafford rather than sign for the Gunners.
