Jan Vertonghen

Nela

I can't believe he doesn't have his own thread by now.

There seems to be lot of persistent talk linking him to us. He's also been linked with them.

"My agent knows what clubs I'm willing to go to. Arsenal are obviously one of them. Ajax are busy trying to find solutions to replace me."

I don't see him walking into our starting XI, especially since he doesn't have a specialized position. But as a defensive squad option he'd be great. LB, CB and DM all in one. But would Arsenal pay a decent fee for a squad option?

Ricky1985

He does have a specialised position; he's a centreback. Not as good as the three we have though, but maybe with the potential to be something special.

Can't see us really being in for him, but there is an awful lot of talk about it. I wouldn't be against it, but I'm not doing cartwheels at the prospect of it happening.

speedy

Ricky1985 wrote:
He does have a specialised position; he's a centreback. Not as good as the three we have though, but maybe with the potential to be something special.

Can't see us really being in for him, but there is an awful lot of talk about it. I wouldn't be against it, but I'm not doing cartwheels at the prospect of it happening.

Mertesackers ankle is a concern hes only 26/27 ? and hes had 2 reconstructions and it doesn't help that hes a big lad. Might not be a bad idea to bring in Vertonghen.

Gazza M

he'd provide quality depth in a few positions. if we can get him for 10-12m euros, i wouldn't say no

Timbob

If we're interested in this bloke I reckon it's because Wenger thinks he can become/be turned in to a top player in a certain position. Very much doubt we'd bring him in as a versatile squad option.

est

Would be a luxury signing.

I'd much rather we concentrated our effort on bolstering our front line with proven quality. I've never been a big fan of Podolski's, but he's a step in the right direction.

Armor

I was in the same boat as Ricky but i just wonder if Wenger sees him as having the potential to be a very good midfielder? He's played there before albeit CB has been his position for the last few years. The links aren't going away and i just don't see why he'd want him if it was to play at CB. He's known as an organiser/leader which we badly could do with in midfield and i can only presume that he would be much more happy to do the tidying up in midfield than Alex Song.

Could be miles off but wasn't Petit a CB when we bought him too? Maybe Wenger just sees a very good player at a decent price who he feels could bring something to the squad that nobody else does? I didn't care at first but now i'm very interested to see what happens here. And no matter what happens its never a bad thing to have too many good players or strong influences in the dressing room.

Rex

Most likely thing happening here is that Vertonghen and his agent are doing their best for a better club to want to buy him in the summer. I don´t see this happening at all.

spacemanspiff

The more I look at Javi Martinez, the more I want a player equally comfortable at CB and DM, who actually defends intelligently, tackles hard, and leads from the back. I think Vermaelen actually as the technical quality to be that player, but Song isn't it.

Also, from what I know (Humble Rex), Verthongen is good mates with TV, and genuinely really likes Arsenal.

Ray

I think this would be a great signing, right age characteristics would be good friends with vermaelen and van persie and could cover a lot of positions. And our defense would become from one of the smallest to the tallest in the league. And it adds another vocal type player into the team

And it beats having the mandatory ageing french cb for cover (Cygan, silvestre, Squillaci)

asajoseph

spaceman spiff wrote:
The more I look at Javi Martinez, the more I want a player equally comfortable at CB and DM, who actually defends intelligently, tackles hard, and leads from the back. I think Vermaelen actually as the technical quality to be that player, but Song isn't it.

For real?

Song's done decently enough when asked to deputize at the back this year. A whole lot better than Vermaelen's ever looked in the attacking phases of the game.

Cill

Wouldn't want him as a starting CB, LB or midfielder but he'd be a handy squad option to have considering he can cover all those positions.

Timbob

If he's not good enough to start in any of his favoured positions he'd be a pointless signing.

spacemanspiff

asajoseph wrote:
For real?

Song's done decently enough when asked to deputize at the back this year. A whole lot better than Vermaelen's ever looked in the attacking phases of the game.

Song does a lot better either at CB or DM, when he keeps it simple. He's simply not at all a dynamic player but a good clogger (with an occasionally excellent long pass) the likes of which Mourinho would love. I want somebody that can start attacks, yet NOT neglect his defensive duties.

asajoseph

I agree - but personally, I think that's coaching. Song's perfectly capable of sitting and holding most of the time - just as he does when he slots into the back four. I just don't think he's being asked to do that this season.

Gazza M

Tim TJ Mackey wrote:
If he's not good enough to start in any of his favoured positions he'd be a pointless signing.

he's a similar level to kos and verm. a team serious about going the distance in 3 competitions would make this signing. he will get the games because we have a history of costly defensive casualties every year.

Timbob

If he's good enough to improve us in any position then fine, I dont watch Belguim or Ajax, so I have no idea. If we're buying him for 'depth' then it'd be a nonsense signing.

Armor

Agreed, and i'd actually go one further and say if Wenger doesn't think he has the makings of a very good midfielder i don't see the point in this. Our CB situation is very good, we should be looking to improve other areas.

Unless of course Wenger intends spending more money afterwards, but ye..thats not going to happen.

Gazza M

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7606418/

similar quote to nela, but with a bit more detail.

sabret00the

If we do go for this dude, we're going to change the shape of our midfield from a pyramid to a diamond. That'll be very interesting. I personally think we need to stop changing our shape and stick wit a few things. A lack of consistency in formation means players can't get to learn their positions properly and become consistent.