Arsenal: Virgil van Dijk the permanent fix to defensive problems

Arsenal have had a shaky start to the new season, especially on the defensive side. Could Virgil van Dijk be the answer to their problems?

Arsenal’s defensive woes of last season are continuing into this season. They have looked sloppy, disorganized, and not on the same page defensively in the Premier League this season.

Although the Gunners have been missing their leader at the back, Laurent Koscielny, they can still improve by signing a new center back. With Koscielny turning 32 in September and Per Mertesacker retiring at the end of the season, it is time for Arsenal to look for another general in the back who can organize, lead, and potentially captain the side.

It also doesn’t help that Arsenal have sold one of their central defenders, Gabriel Paulista, to Valencia for £10m.

With Arsenal’s net spending around £30m this summer, they can afford a top center back like Virgil van Dijk, Jonathan Tah, or Stefan de Vrij. Out of these three players, van Dijk makes the most sense on multiple fronts.

Wants out of Southampton

Van Dijk has made it clear that he wants to leave Southampton this summer. Arsenal can offer the Dutchman a way out of Southampton and give him European football.

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Liverpool and Chelsea had some interest in van Dijk, but that interest has seemed to fade. Arsenal could be in prime position to land the center back if they declared some interest in him. Van Dijk made his intentions to leave the St Mary’s Stadium, as he handed in a transfer request recently.

Southampton have ordered van Dijk to train alone due to him requesting a transfer. Southampton want a reported £60m-£70m for the 26-year-old, which Arsenal may be reluctant to pay.

Arsenal could get him cheaper

Arsenal could still find a way to pay less than van Dijk’s asking fee. As the end of the transfer window draws closer, Southampton will feel the pressure of van Dijk trying to force a move away.

Southampton might have to reduce their asking price to a more reasonable level in order to get rid of him. He is not contributing to the Saints, as he has been omitted from Southampton’s games this season.

When Southampton drop their price, the Gunners need to be ready to pounce to snap him up. If Southampton ask for £50m or less for the Dutchman, it’s time to bring him to North London.

Rare center back

Van Dijk brings the rare combination of strength, power, and ball playing ability. Very few Premier League defenders obtain all of these abilities.

Last season in the League, van Dijk made a combined 4.5 tackles and interceptions per game. Compare this with Laurent Koscielny who only averaged 4.2 tackles and interceptions a game last season.

Van Dijk had a passing percentage of 84.2% last season in the League. This is an impressive percentage when on a team like Southampton who have a low possession percentage.

Van Dijk won an average 4.7 headers a game out of 6.2. This equates to 76% of his aerial duels won. Compare this to Arsenal’s two main center backs last season in Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi, who both hovered around 60% aerial duels won last season in the League.

Liverpool, Chelsea, and all of Europe’s giants who are interested in van Dijk seem unwilling to pay the outrageous asking price. Arsenal need to wait out Southampton until they drop their price for their top player.

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Even if Southampton don’t drop their asking price, there should still be a move to buy the Dutchman. If they get van Dijk this season it would not only sure up their back line, but could also put them in the mix of contenders for the Premier League title.

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