Arsenal have turned their attention to Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen, and will make the centre half their top summer transfer target, according to Mirror Football.

The Belgium international has been a major part in the Amsterdam-based club's dominance in the Eredivisie over the last two seasons, and has captained the side this term.

Vertonghen has received rave reviews for his performances for club and country, with a raft of European clubs keeping an eye on the talented defender.

However, with Vertonghen entering the last year of his contract and eager to move to one of Europe's top leagues, Arsene Wenger is hoping to secure his signing for a cut-price £7 million.

The fact that international team-mate Thomas Vermaelen is currently at the Emirates Stadium is thought to be off benefit to Arsenal's attempts to sign Vertonghen.

The news comes on the back of Lukas Podolski's signing being confirmed, and Wenger also has one eye on Rennes and France midfielder Yann M'Vila.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id='dfp-mpu' align='right']