I must admit that I was surprised that Arsene Wenger did not sign another centre back for Arsenal during the summer transfer window, especially with Per Mertesacker on the verge of hanging up his boots and doubts over the ability of Laurent Koscielny to play throughout a whole season without any fitness issues.
Then you consider the Arsenal transfer rumours about our German international defender Shkodran Mustafi and his possible move to Italy to play for Internazionale in Serie A, which I am so pleased did not happen, and you think that Wenger must have had some defensive targets in mind.
If so then I would be surprised if the Southampton and Netherlands star Virgil Van Dijk was not on that list as he is a top quality and Premier League proven central defender. However, there was a lot of hoo-haa with the Dutchman after Liverpool had to apologise for tapping him up and the player seemed to have had his head turned.
Liverpool will almost certainly still want him but with all the questions being raised about their whole defensive style and about Klopp’s future, will Van Dijk still be as keen? Could this actually be just the opening that Wenger and Arsenal need to swoop and sign the talents Saint for ourselves when the January transfer window comes around?
Bob.