Van der Wiel welcomes Arsenal's interest

Dutch starlet Gregory van der Wiel is a reported summer transfer target for Arsenal after weekend reports suggested that the North London club have shown an interest in the Ajax right-back.

However, would the Dutchman fit well into the current Arsenal squad if the defender were to make the proposed switch to England this summer?

The 22-year-old is currently on international duty with the Netherlands in South Africa, and has attracted a number of clubs interests in recent weeks, which include the likes of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Van der Wiel has expressed his delight with the interest shown in him as of late, and has not ruled out a move to either England or Spain this summer. Sourced from Sky Sports, Van der Wiel told the media that a move to the Premier League is not out of the question this summer:

"Of course it's nice to read that Arsenal are interested, I consider myself a good fit for the Premier League.”

The Dutch right-back also admitted that he would relish the possible prospect of linking up with fellow international team-mate Robin van Persie at Arsenal next season should he decide to sign for the Gunners.

"Robin van Persie has told me many stories about the Premier League, Arsenal and Mr (Arsene) Wenger. Maybe he can put in a good word for me."

So what do the football public really know about the highly-rated Ajax man, Van der Wiel?

Firstly, he is one of the latest graduates to come out of the famous Ajax youth academy. This year, the speedy full-back performed so well for his club, that he was awarded the Johan Cruyff award for Young Player of the Year in the Dutch league. Van der Wiel is an accomplished right-back by trade, but the youngster can also play in the centre-back position if he needs to.

The right-back has already managed to cement a first-team place for both club and country at the tender of age of 22. His attributes includes explosive pace, which he utilizes to bomb up and down the right flank, more importantly, Van der Wiel can defend, which is a rarity to see these days in this certain position.

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The young full-back also has good crossing ability when placed in the opposition’s territory. The Dutchman also has great overall positional knowledge which is accompanied by superb agility and fitness levels as well. Van der Wiel is undoubtedly a highly-rated young footballer who is destined for success in the game.

Taking all this into consideration, could the young Ajax defender feature in Wenger’s plans next season, if of course the Frenchman decides to acquire him from the Dutch giants this summer?

Arsenal fans may feel that they already have adequate and solid performers in this area, and as such, do not need another right-back in their current squad next season. Currently, Bacary Sagna is the number one choice in this position for the Gunners; with Emmanuel Eboue offering a cover option should Sagna bear an injury. Both players are 27 years of age, and possibly Arsenal will need a young protégé in the near future…Van der Wiel would certainly be an ideal candidate for the job.

The Dutchman ticks all the correct boxes that make for a great full-back, and if Van der Wiel were to sign for Arsenal this summer, Wenger will no doubt hone his talents to the maximum. The rapid defender could easily settle into the North London club and adapt quickly to the English game with help from his fellow compatriot Robin van Persie.

A majority of the Arsenal fans would not have heard of him until yesterday, when the Netherlands beat Denmark 2-0 in their first group E match in the World Cup finals. Van der Wiel had a good game, and as a result, many Arsenal fans who watched the game will be delighted to have their club linked with such a defender.

The fact is, acquiring a young talent like Van der Wiel (who in time can only get better) can only benefit the Gunners in the long-term…this of course depends on whether Wenger can manage and wants to acquire the player’s signature this summer or not.

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Van der Wiel welcomes Arsenal's interest

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