Arsenal are prepared to fight with Chelsea over Virgil van Dijk but Manchester City are said to have the edge.

Even though Chelsea were believed to be favourites to sign Southampton man, reports have appeared that Arsenal are also highly interested and have made a move for player.

These have been superseded by reports that Pep Guardiola now leads the race, proving nothing other than nobody really seems to know what’s going on.

With a bunch of other Premier League heavyweights, like Everton and Liverpool, interested in the Dutchman’s services, his price tag is rumoured to be around £50m.

Van Dijk has not played since he got injured in January, and it is believed Southampton are ready to cash in on the 25-year-old before he loses any more market value.

This won’t be the first time Arsene Wenger has looked closely at Van Dijk. Arsenal were heavily linked when he joined Southampton from Celtic in 2015.

Van Dijk has played 30 games for Southampton this season in all competitions, scoring four goals and achieving an average rating of 7.46, a considerable achievement.

He averages 1.6 tackles per game, and his great reading of the game can be seen in his 2.6 interceptions per match as he looks to cut out passes before opposing attackers can get a chance to receive them.

His great physique makes him a defensive fortress, at 193cm in height and 92kg, there aren’t many duels, aerial or otherwise, he’ll lose.

As Arsenal are linked with many other defenders, it remains to be seen if Arsene Wenger will make changes to his tactics, like the ones we’ve seen against Manchester City, permanently.

If Wenger decides to play with three at the back, Virgil van Dijk could prove to be quite an addition.