Aston Villa and Netherlands defender Ron Vlaar becomes a free agent today. What would this mean? Since he is a proven defender in the Premier League and still has a good two three seasons in him, interested clubs could start making the move.
For long, Arsenal and Manchester United are credited with the strongest interest for the defender. The Dutch international has proclaimed his eagerness to join a bigger club. Vlaar wants to step-up in his career and be at a club that can challenge for bigger things.
Vlaar is the club captain at Villa but has decided to run down his contract in order to assess his options. The 30 year old defender was linked with move out of Aston Villa in January but now the Dutchman is officially a free agent.
Many clubs were rumored to be interested including Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and even Southampton. However, nothing worked out and Vlaar stayed at the club. But, that didn’t stop the rumor mill going abuzz through the entire second half of the season.
Arsenal already strengthened their squad by signing a world class experienced goal keeper in Petr Cech. The squad requires strengthening in other areas and signing a defender is one such area. Of course, defender is not exactly a priority for Wenger at the moment but he definitely would want to assess his options.
Vlaar came into the limelight with stellar performance at the heart of defence for Netherlands in the World Cup. Working under the current United manager Louis Van Gaal, he made every club notice him. So, it is no surprise that Vlaar is linked with various clubs this transfer window.
Will Wenger be interested? It is difficult to say for sure but the gaffer would certainly be looking at strengthening his back four. Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker may have blossomed together last season but neither of the players fall under the ‘leader’ category.
Vlaar is a proven leader at Villa. Add it to his experience in Premier League; you would be tempted to say that Vlaar would be ideal.
Will Vlaar be tempted to move to Arsenal? Being a Gunner will tick most of his boxes and so it should be a no-brainer. Only till you bring Vlaar’s equation with Van Gaal into discussion. It is believed that they would be eager to be reunited.
What do you think? Should signing a defender be the priority for Wenger? And if so, do you think Vlaar fits the bill?