Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Gunners Linked With £9 Million-Rated Ajax Stopper Toby Alderweireld

According to talkSport.co.uk, Arsenal could move for Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld in the last days of the January transfer window. The report claims the Gunners could be willing to swoop for the £9 million-rated stopper, ahead of North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

This isn't the first time the Arsenal have been credited with interest in Alderweireld. Back in December, Sky Sports reported the player's own keenness on a move to the English Premier League.

At 23, Alderweireld fits in the age bracket of players Gunners boss Arsene Wenger usually targets. He also offers versatility, as well as comfort and confidence in possession.  He is bred in the Ajax model of intricate and flowing passing football.

That makes Alderweireld a good fit for the kind of accomplished, cultured style of play Wenger favours at Arsenal. The Gunners certainly need a player who can begin attacks from defense with creative and precise distribution.

Wenger also needs to bolster the defensive solidity within his squad. Featured central defensive trio Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen have all had their issues this season. Arsenal lack a truly composed, yet decisive presence at the heart of their defense. Alderweireld certainly has the potential to answer that need.

While his signing would represent more potential, rather than established quality, Alderweireld does have some pedigree. He is capped at international level for Belgium and has experienced UEFA Champions League football at club level.

So Alderweireld would offer the ability to contribute to the Gunners sooner rather than later. Arsenal supporters are anxious to see at least some activity in this winter window. Strengthening the defense, should be Wenger's area of focus and Alderweireld would represent a quality late addition.

Having already plucked fellow Belgian Thomas Vermaelen from the Ajax ranks, Wenger could be tempted into a second swoop.