£10m CB On The Way To Arsenal? Player Speaks Up On Transfer Situation

Wenger has made it clear on several occasions that he wants to sign a central defender. Considering the number of injuries we have suffered this season, it is almost impossible to let the current window come to a close without making a move to shore up our back four. Moreover, then we are yet to bring in a replacement for Vermaelen, who left to join Barcelona last summer. In this interview granted to Scottish paper, Dutch defender Van Dijk, who plays for Celtic gave us a peep into what his plans for the future are.

Arsenal target, Van Dijk has said that he is unlikely to make a transfer move from his Scottish club Celtic to the Emirates Stadium this transfer window. The player, who is also on the shopping list of Manchester United is valued at £10m, and is rated as one of the most improved defenders in the Scottish league.

The 23 year old granted an interview in which he revealed his current situation per reports of a possible move to England:

“You never know in football, but for now Celtic will not co-operate with a departure in this transfer period,” 23-year-old Dijk told The Herald.

Continuing, the Dutch defender highlighted the importance of moving to a bigger club as this would enhance his career.

“It would be a boost for my career if I could make a step up, but I have no problem if I remain a little longer in Scotland.

However, he reiterated his desire to remain with his current club and wait for until the summer to actualise his dream:

“Perhaps in the summer something happens.”

His stock has risen significantly since making the move from the Dutch Eredivisie side FC Groningen for £2.6m.

Arsenal are in the market for a central defender and Dijk is one of several players being monitored by the club. At £10 million, he is considered a bargain; but Arsenal may have to battle other clubs including EPL rival Manchester United to win his signature.