Arsenal is reportedly close to signing Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax. The transfer is reportedly worth £10m.
The scouting report is that Vermaelen is a speedy and tough tackling central defender who plays bigger than his 5’11” frame. He has been at Ajax five years and has regular international experience with the Belgian national team. He is also reputed to be injury prone.
I don’t know what Arsenal’s total budget is but £10m is a hefty chunk of change and will probably represent a substantial percentage. Wenger better know what he is getting because Tony Adams did not exactly give Vermaelen two thumbs up.
Personally, Juve’s Giorgio Chiellini will be a far better option. He has height, speed, aggression, a great work rate, and is a set piece killer. Gianluigi Buffon loves having him in front of him.