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Do Arsenal already have a ready-made Virgil Van Dijk alternative in Krystian Bielik?
According to the , Arsenal are readying their side for a title push with the signing of Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk and Celtic’s Moussa Dembele.
The Gunners, who missed out on Champions League football, want to become title contenders again and Van Dijk is a key target at £45 million. The Express report suggests that Liverpool were front runners for the Dutchman, but they have backed off since Southampton made an official complaint.
Instead, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal now want to bring the highly-rated defender to London for £12 million more than they could have signed him for two years ago.
Van Dijk would join as a perfect centre-back to feature alongside Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi in Arsenal’s new three-back formation that was fairly successful last season. After all, the Gunners lifted the FA Cup while playing with the system.
The Dutchman would be an upgrade on Gabriel Paulista while he would also offer much more dynamism to Per Mertesacker. Nonetheless, he isn’t a necessary signing.
While Arsenal have Rob Holding coming through the ranks, they also have another capable candidate for the third centre-back spot in Krystian Bielik.
The Polish defender-cum-midfielder has had to be patient since joining Arsenal two years ago, as a 17-year-old. However, he now looks ready to break into their first team.
Since joining from Legia Warsaw, Bielik has only made two senior appearances, while he has also spent time on loan with Birmingham.
At the Midlands club, the youngster enjoyed a very fruitful end to the season, featuring in the last 10 of the club’s 15 games. He formed a part of Harry Redknapp’s relegation survival and his stats reflect well.
In ten games, of which Birmingham struggled their way through, Bielik made 38 clearances and nine blocks. The Polish man also intercepted on 13 occasions.
His encouraging stay with the Blues almost led to a loan spell at Norwich City. Bielik himself, as reported by , said: “I’ll probably play with Norwich on loan next season, talks are close to being completed.”
He added: “The club [Arsenal] brought me for the future. Everything seems to be going in the right direction. The loan at Birmingham was productive, next season I’ll go out on loan again so as to have the chance to play regularly. I’ve already talked to coach Wenger. After next season I’ll go back to Arsenal as a full member of the first team.”
Yet, he hasn’t joined the Championship side and instead, he has featured in Arsenal’s pre-season tour. He came off the bench against Western Sydney Warriors and impressed, using his midfield traits in the Gunners’ back three.
A compilation on shows his fine ball retention and ability to carry the ball forward, something that is perfect playing as one of three centre-backs.
It remains to be seen whether the Pole will be in Wenger’s first team next year but, the Gunners certainly have a talent on their hands and if they were to incorporate him into the side. Not only would they have a player more than capable, they’d save a large chunk of money not having to spend big on Virgil van Dijk.
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