Arsenal Transfer News: Tottenham Deal Hurts Their Chances at Christian Eriksen

Arsenal might have Ajax star midfielder Christian Eriksen on their summer transfer wish-list, but actually signing him is a tougher task altogether, and Tottenham's latest deal might well come back to hurt the Gunners in their quest for Eriksen.

The Spurs don't want Eriksen—or should I say, the Spurs aren't going to get Eriksen—so Arsenal don't have to worry about that threat.

No, the problem is Tottenham's latest deal with Jan Vertonghen—defender and fellow teammate to Eriksen at Ajax.

According to Goal.com, the defender has told the club that he wants to sign at White Hart Lane next season and is only interested in playing for the North London club despite their recent elimination from UEFA Champions League contention.

Vertonghen was named Eredivisie Player of the Year this season for Ajax and would certainly be a great fit for Harry Redknapp's team. What's more, it appears that the 25-year-old is set on the London club because he believes it's his best chance to play the most minutes at his favorite position—centre-back.

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"Tottenham are my absolute favorite. [They] are a fantastic football club that has the tradition I want—they buy young, eager, offense-minded players..."

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And while the Gunners were interested in Vertonghen throughout the season, it appears that they have not only lost out not only in signing him but perhaps the bigger target Christian Eriksen in the process.

With one key player already missing next season, Ajax may be reluctant to let Eriksen go at the price that many are expecting him to be sold at. I wouldn't be surprised to see a significant increase on his price-tag if Vertonghen does indeed move to White Hart Lane—meaning that the Gunners would have to spend much more on Eriksen if they want him at the Emirates next season.

Don't get me wrong—I'd love to see him at Arsenal, and I firmly believe that if they are to go after one player all summer it should be Eriksen, especially considering how much he would cost compared to the benefits he would bring to the team.

Arsene Wenger has already stated that he won't be breaking the bank this summer and that fans shouldn't expect him to do so. 

But with his teammate switching clubs, expect Eriksen's price tag to take a little hike north and leave the Gunners with a tricky decision to make. 

Personally, I still think they go for him, and I think they get him. There is too much to gain, and even with the price increase, he remains one of the best value players on the world stage.

Having said that, don't expect the decision to be an easy one, and don't be surprised if Eriksen is suddenly deemed out of reach for the Gunners.

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