Arsenal close in on Southampton star Virgil van Dijk move after ‘meeting with his representatives’

The Gunners step up their pursuit for the in-demand defender, despite Southampton's firm stance this summer

Joe Miles

Published: 15:47, 25 Aug 2017
Updated: 15:47, 25 Aug 2017

ARSENAL are edging closer to signing in-demand Virgil van Dijk after reportedly meeting with the player and his representatives.

The Southampton defender has attracted interest from several clubs and that has only intensified since he handed in a transfer request just over two weeks' ago.

Virgil van Dijk is not training with the Southampton squadCredit: Reuters

Arsenal are the latest side to be linked with the DutchmanCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The Gunners have met with Van Dijk in order to push forward a deal, according to James Dodd of Fox Sports News.

Arsene Wenger is keen to bolster his defensive options, but he will have to fork out around £50million to secure the Dutchman's signature.

However, Arsenal are not alone in their quest to sign Van Dijk, with Liverpool and Chelsea both making contact with the Saints regarding their skipper.

Liverpool looked the firm favourites to seal a deal for 26-year-old, but the Merseyside giants were forced to publicly apologise after tapping up the player.

The Saints remain insistent that Van Dijk will not be sold, despite confirming the signing of defender Wesley Hoedt from Lazio.

The wantaway Holland international is not currently training with Southampton's first-team squad.

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The Dutch defender receives a red card during a Premier League fixture against West BromCredit: AFP or licensors

Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino remains adamant that his skipper will stay at St Mary'sCredit: Reuters

Van Dijk penned a new six-year contract in May 2016 but he is now determined to depart from the St Mary's.

However, the end of the transfer window is looming, so the Gunners will have to act quickly if they wish to complete the deal.

The 26-year-old has not played Champions League football since he left Celtic in 2015, which is reported to be a key driving force behind his desire to leave.

The Dutchman has scored four goals in 55 Premier League appearances for the Saints since joining from Celtic in 2015.