Arsenal are being linked with a move to sign Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton this summer.
The centre-back is on Chelsea’s radar after a thoroughly impressive time with the Saints, and is believed to be viewed as the ideal type of defender for playing with three at the back.
The Gunners appear to be appear to be giving in to the growing trend of playing with 3 centre-halves, as Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United have all tried out this term, and it has so far proved a success, with the Blues closing on the title since the change in system, and Spurs their nearest rivals to win the league.
Chelsea were believed to be favourites to sign Van Dijk this summer, with Conte eyeing him to line up alongside David Luiz, but Arsenal are claimed to be ready to beat them to his signing, as they look to oversee a major overhaul of their squad in the coming transfer window.
Questions have been raised of our defence in recent months, and summer signing Shkodran Mustafi was overlooked to start in the 3-4-2-1 line-up against Middlesbrough on Monday, with Gabriel and Rob Holding chosen ahead of him. That is not a back-line worth comparing to the likes of those remaining in the title race, and improvements will need to be made in order to move forward in that system.
Van Dijk is rated amongst the best defenders in the Premier League at present, despite representing a mid-table side, and Southampton are known for selling players for the right price, and will most certainly lose their star centre-halve this summer.
If he was to join the PL leaders he could well give them a huge advantage in trying to top the table next season, a prospect we need to stop from happening, while closing the gap on our rivals after a dismal term.
Does VVD need to be a priority this summer? Will our club finally go toe-to-toe with a big rival for a target?
Pat J