Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen has been constantly linked with a move to Arsenal over the last several transfer windows, and is rumoured to be on his way to the Emirates this summer.
If these rumours are to be believed and the transfer takes place this summer, would he be immediately slotted into the first-team? As experienced and skilled as he is, I for one doubt it and here’s why.
Firstly, he would be a new player coming into a squad with players who have gelled well at the back.
Bacary Sagna will obviously not have too much to worry about, while Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen are arguably one of the best centre-back pairings currently in the Premier League.
With Per Mertesacker also being an experienced defender as well, Vertonghen may have a very tough time trying to obtain a place in the starting 11.
The Belgian’s best bet would be trying to acquire the left-back role. However, he will still have a pretty tricky challenge on his hands, as Kieran Gibbs won’t be a push over, while Andre Santos I think may be used as a midfielder next season (the guy simply doesn’t have a single defensive bone in his body). However, I could be wrong and if that is the case then Jan will have to deal with the bulky Brazilian as well.
Like all new arrivals, Vertonghen will take time to settle. And if we are indeed interested in him then I say we get him ASAP to avoid having players gelling and learning about each others strengths and weaknesses during the bigger games next term.
His potential arrival will no doubt spark a battle for places, which mill mean less complacency from players who will know that if they slip up then there’s someone waiting on the side willing and capable of taking their position.
What do you guys reckon – would Vertonghen be considered a starter if he was to join us this summer, or would he struggle to get into the side?
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We need a second left-minded CB to cope with injuries and suspensions.
I wil say it again arsenal fans we nid 2 come out strong and voice our mind regarding ds trophyless campings.how many yrs did it take chelsea 2 b in ucl finals 2tims.wenger is 1 of d highest earning coaches in d world even wen arsenal is payn 4 d stadium Y won’t dey sign qlity players n pay dem wel so as 2 play out there hearts in d field of play. To me is selfishness 2 d management. Pls if we praise him now he won’t buy qlity players next season or he wil go n buy his kindergaten children.
There are a lot of ways in which he can start, and in the end he doesn’t even have to. Having at least 2 quality players on EACH position is a must for a team that strives for trophies. However he can start as a central defender with TV5 or Koschielny going to left or right, respectively. Or as I said before, neither of them has to be the “first choice” due to injuries and squad rotation.