Vlaar on Arsenal radar as Wenger steps up search for defensive cover

Arsenal’s urgent need for a striker reared its ugly head once again in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leicester with the Gunners faithful calling on Arsene Wenger to splash the cash on deadline day.

But with just Calum Chambers a back-up to the first choice centre back pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, the north London club are scouring the market for defensive cover as we head into the final few hours of the transfer window.

And the latest name to be linked to a move to the Emirates Stadium is Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.

The Dutchman impressed in Holland’s run to the World Cup semi-finals and with bids for Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Machester City’s unsettled star Matija Nastasic stalling, Wenger has made discreet enquires about the availability of the 29-year-old.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the Dutch international with Louis van Gaal keen to strengthen his defensive options but Aston Villa will be hoping to keep their captain at Villa Park.

Southampton are another club keeping tabs on the former Feyenoord star but Ronald Koeman’s interest could end if he manages to complete a deal for Ateltico Madrid star Toby Alderweireld.

Vlaar has been instrumental in the Villans equalling their best ever start to a Premier League campaign after picking up seven points from their opening three matches.

Alongside Phillipe Senderos, the duo have provided Paul Lambert’s side with a solid platform and their early season form has seen them shoot out to 5/1 for relegation with Ladbrokes.

On current form that looks a far cry but the Villa faithful will be hoping to see the transfer deadline slam shut with Vlaar still in their ranks.

But if Arsenal, or Manchester United, do come calling it could prove hard for the Villa Park outfit to stand in his way.

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