Arsenal are stepping up their scouting of Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk ahead of a January bid for the Dutchman, according to reports.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in action in the recent Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, claims The Scotsman.
He apparently received a glowing report on Van Dijk’s performance and the Arsenal hierarchy are said to be readying an £8m bid for the January transfer window.
Wenger is desperate to add reinforcements to his threadbare defence in the new year.
Van Dijk, who was linked with moves to Southampton and Sunderland in the summer, would add competition and cover for Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the Gunners’ backline.
Celtic boss Ronny Deila recently said he would favour selling the Hoops star to a Champions League contender.
