Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Gunners Reportedly Close to Deal for Jan Vertonghen

It seems that Arsenal are not intending to rest on their laurels following yesterday's official confirmation of the signing of Lukas Podolski. Belgian international Jan Vertonghen could be next to arrive, according to reports in Metro.

The reports indicate that the Gunners are in talks over a prospective £7 million deal for the Ajax star. Many would consider that a bargain price for an accomplished international who possesses the kind of versatility Arsene Wenger favours.

Vertonghen can play as a central defender or full-back. This flexibility would be a vital asset for an Arsenal back line that has been ravaged by injuries this season. Left-back is a possibility for the Ajax man, where Kieran Gibbs has sadly been blighted by injury and Andre Santos has appeared suspect in defensive areas.

However, Vertonghen's best position for Arsenal may be as a defensive midfielder. The Gunners are in need of a disciplined buffer between the defensive and midfield lines.

Too often the team is caught out on the counter, due to their high-octane pressing style of play and the sheer numbers they commit forward. Vertonghen is a tough tackler with the intelligence and positional sense to remedy this long-standing issue.

He combines technical refinement with a robust approach to breaking up attacks and winning the ball. He is not without experience as a midfield pivot, having seen time in the role for both the Belgian national team and club side Ajax.

Alex Song, the current occupier of this key position, is more effective driving at the opposition and making contributions in forward areas. His tackling technique is extremely untidy, and having him sit deep negates what he does best.

Yet Arsenal need a player in this position, a calming influence, able to steal possession and efficiently distribute the ball to the creative outlets. Vertonghen can be that player and represents a more cost-effective alternative to Yann M'Vila.