Jan Vertonghen 'set for Arsenal reunion with Thomas Vermaelen'

Arsene Wenger is hoping to tie up a summer transfer move for Ajax centre-back Jan Vertonghen, as Arsenal hope to reunite him with former team-mate Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Gunners' defence

Vermaelen has been a revelation at the back for the north Londoners since his arrival from the Dutch league last summer - with many pundits picking him as the best Premier League signing last year.

And Wenger is hoping to enjoy similar success with the Dutchman's countryman Vertonghen, 22, who could be tempted to swap the Eredivisie for the English top-flight this summer.

The two enjoyed a solid partnership at the Amsterdam Arena before Vermaelen's move and Wenger is preparing to make a big-money move for the 22-year-old as well as highly-rated full-back Gregory van der Wiel.

The Dutch international, who is currently in South Africa at the World Cup with his national side, could be part of a £25million package deal to take both players to the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger is currently weighing up his options to rebuild his back-line with veterans William Gallas, Sol Campbell, and Mikael Silvestre all due to leave on free transfers this summer.