Five Reasons Why Jan Vertonghen Is the Perfect January Signing For Arsenal

As the 2009/2010 Premier League season came to a close signifying Arsenal’s fifth consecutive season in which the North London giants without the satisfaction of silverware. Manager Arsene Wenger vowed to implement changes into his youthful squad to help bolster their silverware promise for 2010-2011.

It was expected that the Frenchman would first and foremost sign a quality keeper, as current keepers Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Almunia had endured a horrid last few seasons, making vital errors on a consistent basis, which many fans believed was the main culprit for the lack of trophies.

The defensive ranks were also set to be met with new quality presence after Wenger declined the option of renewing the contracts of William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Sol Campbell, and Philippe Senderos.

However the French mastermind barely stuck to his word, failing to secure the signing of a new keeper and only managing two defensive signatures, ensuring the backline was severely low on stocks. Alongside striker Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux on a free transfer, French defenders Laurent Koscienly and Sebastien Squillaci were acquired.

Koscienly arrived from French side Loreint FC for £10 million whilst Squillaci came from Spanish giants Seville for £4.2 million. They joined Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou, and Harvard Nordtveit as the central defenders.

Both new signings have shown promise and capability of performing with the physicality of the Premier League. However, injuries and fatigue have caught the Arsenal defense out on occasions, and come January, Arsene Wenger will be eager to add at least one defensive signing.

One player who is touted as a potential Arsenal signing is Ajax centre half Jan Vertonghen. The Belgium defender has been a consistent performer and boasts all the right traits to succeed in the toughest league in Europe.

This article will provide a 10 point analysis on why Jan Vertonghen fits the bill to be the signing Arsenal desperately crave.

1.      Young and Talented

At 23, Vertonghen still has a glistening future ahead of him, especially as the Belgium is regarded as one of the best young defensive prospects in Europe. Furthermore the Ajax man is blessed with great strength and speed which the Arsenal defence currently seems to lack.

2.      Versatility

Not only is the Belgium international utilized as a central defender, Vertonghen is capable of fulfilling every role in the backline strongly alongside being able to play as a defensive midfielder and central midfielder.

This trait would prove particularly useful when injuries worsen at Arsenal, a problem that seems to worsen every season, particularly in the winter.

3.      Added Depth and Experience

Secure the services of Jan Vertonghen would ensure the Arsenal backline boast sufficient numbers of adequate quality. The Belgium back has performed for Ajax since the age of 19 and has completed over a 130 games for the Dutch giants.

Vertonghen is no stranger to first team football and has also played at European and international levels. This would ensure that when those injuries become severe, there is strong experience and depth in the Arsenal squad.

4.      Similar Style and Boasts Great Friendship and Experience with Thomas Vermaelen

Thomas Vermaelen is considered the leader of the Arsenal backline and the player with the highest caliber. The 24-year-old is a tenacious physical defender with great speed and control.

Vermaelen and Vertonghen are former Ajax teammates as well as both playing regularly for Belgium. The pair boast similar styles of play, predominantly in physical terms, and are no stranger to one another. If Arsenal were able to acquire Vertonghen, a strong relationship with Vermaelen is almost certain to occur.

It would ensure Arsenal boast an immensely strong dominant centre half pairing have excellent chemistry.

5.      Cost

A number of clubs are touted to by vying for the Belgium’s signature; however Vertonghen is unlikely to attract a high fee with the asking price likely to be within £10-15 million.

That fee is well within Wenger’s price range furthermore as the latter states; it looms as a tremendously beneficial signing. Vertonghen is the typical type of Arsenal defender who could potential emulates former Arsenal captain and defender Tony Adams.

Time will tell whether or not Wenger will look to sign Vertonghen but it is certain he will not be on the market for long with the amount of clubs interested.