In Gunners’ sights: Toby Alderweireld (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal are ready to launch a £6million bid for coveted Ajax centre-half Toby Alderweireld.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger wants to strengthen his defence and has entered the race for the Belgium international.

The 24-year-old defender has also been linked with Tottenham and Everton this summer but Spartak Moscow are believed to the leading contenders to sign the player, who has less than 12 months remaining on his contract.

Alderweireld, however, has set his heart on a move to the Premier League and would prefer to play in London.


If he joins Arsenal he would team up with fellow Belgian Thomas Vermaelen and if he becomes Spurs’ latest recruit he would be reunited with Belgium international and former Ajax defensive partner Jan Vertonghen.



Arsenal’s defence has been considered to be their Achilles heel over the last few seasons but Wenger has remained loyal to his players, refusing to bring in new additions this summer.

That caused uproar at the Emirates after a 3-1 opening day defeat to Aston Villa with fans calling for their club to ‘spend, spend, spend’.

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