Arsenal Transfer Rumor: Gunners and Spurs Ready £45M January Swoop for Super Belgian Duo Eden Hazard and Jan Vertonghen

By Prarthito Maity | November 08 2011 7:49 AM

New rumors, prior to the January transfer window, have surfaced. If these are to be believed, then English Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham will be competing to acquire the services of £45-million-rated Belgian duo - attacking midfielder Eden Hazard, who currently plays for Lille in Ligue 1 and defender Jan Vertonghen, who is currently with Dutch Eredivisie club Ajax.

Reuters

Wenger is considering his options now the January window is open.

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Both Arsene Wenger and his Tottenham counterpart, Harry Redknapp, are preparing to bid for the players as soon as the window arrives. The Spurs, however, look favorites as they are ready to meet the huge price demanded for the players. Redknapp has even convinced the Spurs' board that the duo will generate dividends and help the club qualify for the Champions League.

Although the Gunners are said to have cooled down on the situation with Vertonghen, Wenger still has Hazard on his shopping list and may shell out the £35 million asked for the Belgian midfielder.

Spurs, on the other hand, earned over £30 million in revenue from TV rights, when they played in the Champions League last season, according to a Givemefootball.com report; money, therefore, should not be a problem and the payout will make future participation in the lucrative Champions League a high priority target.

Vertonghen was appointed vice-captain of Ajax, following the departure of Uruguay international Luis Suárez for Liverpool in January. He was later made captain of the Dutch champions, following goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's transfer to A.S. Roma. Vertonghen has made 132 appearances for Ajax and has managed to find the back of the net 19 times.

Hazard, on the other hand, started his senior career with French club Lille in 2007, where he signed his first professional contract, agreeing to a three-year deal with the club. He has made 122 appearances for the club and has managed to score 20 times.