Jan Vertonghen admits that he considered signing for Arsenal before opting to join North London rivals Tottenham.

Defender says he mulled over joining Arsenal before opting to sign for Tottenham.

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Jan Vertonghen admits that he considered joining Arsenal before opting to join North London rivals Tottenham. The Belgian centre-back moved to White Hart Lane from Ajax for £9.6million in July after attracting the interest of a number of clubs, including the Gunners. His decision to join Tottenham came after he had spoken at length about his options to Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, now assistant coach Ajax. "He knows Tottenham is a very big club. He's a very good guy and I get along with him very well," the 25-year-old told"He was very positive about both clubs and about London, and he just said 'make your choice.' "I chose Spurs because they gave me a good feeling. I spoke to Daniel Levy and I talked with Rafael van der Vaart. "They invited me here and gave me the best feeling in the world. From that moment on I said to myself, 'I want to play here'. "Arsenal did try to sign me but I'd already made my decision that I wanted to play here." Vertonghen could have linked up with fellow countryman Thomas Vermaelen had he moved to the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal man told Vertonghen the North London rivalry would be a familiar scenario, "Thomas told me it was like Ajax and Feyenoord," Vertonghen added. "They're big rivals but when I walk down the street even the Arsenal fans have been very respectful."