Arsenal in pole position to Sealing “fantastic” £26m defender who’s faster than Kyle Walker Arteta urges to land him after revealed his decision to join Gunners NOT Jurrien Timber.
This post has been viewed 19 times.
Arsenal Eyeing Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven for Defensive Reinforcement
Arsenal continues to make significant moves in the transfer market this summer, with the latest reports suggesting their interest in Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven.
After securing the signature of Kai Havertz and with deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber reportedly edging closer, the Gunners are now turning their attention to bolstering their defensive options. According to Football Transfers, Mikel Arteta has identified Van de Ven as a potential target for the upcoming season.
Last season, Arsenal experienced a downfall primarily attributed to the injury of William Saliba. The Frenchman’s season came to an abrupt end in March, and shortly after, Arsenal’s defensive solidity crumbled, ultimately allowing Manchester City to clinch the Premier League title.
To avoid a similar situation in the future, Arteta is keen on reinforcing his defensive lineup, and Van de Ven has caught his eye. However, Tottenham Hotspur is also reportedly in the race to secure the services of the talented defender, and they are said to be in a more advanced position in negotiations.
One remarkable aspect of Van de Ven’s game is his exceptional speed. The defender recorded a top speed of 35.97 km/h last season, as per Bundesliga.com.
This places him in an elite category, surpassing renowned speedsters such as Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr (35.4 km/h), and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi (35 km/h), according to SpeedsDB.
Imagining a center-back faster than Kyle Walker in the Arsenal lineup is certainly enticing for Gunners fans. However, it should be noted that Arsenal’s current defensive options, including Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Jakub Kiwior, already possess considerable pace for their positions.
On the other hand, Tottenham could benefit greatly from Van de Ven’s speed. With the departure of Clement Lenglet and Eric Dier lacking pace, acquiring a player like Van de Ven would provide Spurs with the necessary boost and enable manager Ange Postecoglou to deploy a high defensive line against the Premier League’s fleet-footed forwards.
According to reports from Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung, Van de Ven’s price tag this summer is expected to be at least £26 million.
The financial aspect of the deal will likely play a crucial role in determining which club secures the talented defender’s services.
As the transfer window unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal or Tottenham will emerge victorious in the pursuit of Micky van de Ven.
However, his impressive speed and defensive abilities make him an attractive prospect for any team looking to strengthen their backline ahead of the upcoming season.