Arsenal have not been the greatest defensive side in the English Premier League this season, and Arsene Wenger, keeping that in mind, has reportedly made a bid for Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld.
The 23-year-old is another of the seemingly endless number of talented Belgians coming up the ranks in Europe and has made the central defensive position at Ajax his own, since the departure of Jan Vertonghen.
Alderweireld, whose contract with Ajax expires in 2014, was linked with a move to Tottenham in the summer, but with Andre Villas-Boas already having five central defenders in his squad a move to White Hart Lane looks unlikely.
Instead, a switch to north London rivals Arsenal could be on the cards. Arsenal are a little light in the central defensive department, having sent Johan Djourou out on loan and with Sebastien Squilacci expected to follow.
While Wenger has Thomas Vermaelen, Per Mertesacker and Lurent Kosicelny in his squad, strengthening the defense further is never a bad option, considering Alderweireld can also cover at right-back when needed.
The Gunners have made a bid of around £9 million ($14 million) for the Belgian international, according to reports in Holland.
It is unlikely that Ajax will be willing to let go of one their most important players, as the Dutch giants aim for another Eredivisie title along with competing in the Europa League.
However, Alderweireld, himself, admitted he would be open to a move to a bigger league, if the right offer came along, although he did say it was more likely to happen in the summer.
"Perhaps there is an offer on the way," he told NUSport. "My agent has not heard anything yet. I am waiting patiently.
"My father sorts these kinds of things out, takes care of it, protects me so that I can concentrate on the football", he continued, before reflecting upon how a sale could come about.
"We all know how it goes. Many players want to take a step up and if I do that this summer, Ajax will bring in funds.
"I am ready for that step up when there is a nice club, but I could also stay for another year."
A summer move for Alderweireld indeed makes more sense for Arsenal at the moment, with the priority needing to be a defensive midfielder and a goalscoring forward.
David Villa, despite Wenger suggesting otherwise, is still being considered, while Mohamed Diame and Victor Wanyama are looking like the likeliest signings in midfield.
