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Arsenal reportedly re-join race for Southampton’s van Dijk

By Chris Hughes

HULL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton arrives prior to the Premier League match between Hull City and Southampton at KC Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton arrives prior to the Premier League match between Hull City and Southampton at KC Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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If rumours are to be believed, then Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal are targeting Virgil van Dijk in a bid to improve their defence ahead of the upcoming campaign.

With Chelsea bringing in Antonio Rudiger in a £29 million deal and speculation with Manchester City cooling off, many Liverpool fans believed they were in a one-horse race to sign Southampton’s team captain.

However Arsenal – who were one of the first teams to express an interest in the Dutchman – are now reportedly re-entering the race, according to several media outlets.

Having already showed his intent with the £50 million arrival of Alexandre Lacazette, Arsene Wenger could go out and attempt to bring in van Dijk in a £45 million deal.

Whilst this figure might be a reflection of the Dutch international’s true valuation, it’s significantly lower than Southampton’s reported asking price of £75 million.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Arsenal have already added Sead Kolasinac to their defence so far this summer but their supporters would certainly welcome any bid for Virgil van Dijk, who was impressive despite missing nearly half of the 2016/17 season with injury.

The 26-year-old signed a fresh, six-year deal last summer in order to keep him under contract until 2022, but in light of all these rumours he has remained quiet about his future.

Arsenal wouldn’t be able to offer him the Champions League football he seemingly craves, something he would get with a potential move to Liverpool.

However the Saints have stood firm with both clubs are add adamant that their talisman – who was listed as part of their 28-man squad for the recent pre-season camp in Austria – will remain a Southampton player come September.

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