Arsenal fans are having a meltdown on social media after Liverpool announced the January signing of Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk – a player the Gunners have been linked with all year.
Liverpool are paying the Saints £75m for the 26-year-old defender, more than the Gunners have ever spent on a player. Arsenal reportedly wanted the defender over the summer as well, but clearly weren’t willing to match the world record fee.
That means the club are left with a group of defenders with uncertain long-term futures. Per Mertesacker is retiring and Shkodran Mustafi requested a transfer over the summer.
Then Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal are both in their thirties with various injury problems. Calum Chambers and Rob Holding are both prospects for the future.
Arsenal fans are more than a bit unhappy that they aren’t spending big to fix their problems like Liverpool.
75M for Van Dijk is far too much but let's be honest: we'd be delighted if Arsenal spent that money to reinforce our shit defence. Liverpool are moving in the right direction, we just watch and do fuck all.
— SamW (@SamW_AFC) December 27, 2017
Have to say, you have to admire Liverpool's ambition. 100% aiming for the Premier League title. Salah, Van Dijk, Keita, Chamberlain are huge signings. Meanwhile Arsenal are hoping to fluke 4th place with a low net spend. You have to pay over the odds for the player you want/need!
— Sebarivers (@Sebariverss) December 27, 2017
Liverpool have got a real gem in Van Dijk . Just wished we'd show similar ambition in the transfer market. #arsenal
— Kwikky's left foot (@fit_kwik_) December 27, 2017
Clearly van Dijk isn’t the only defender who could improve the Gunners. The Dutchman hasn’t even played particularly well this season, in my opinion. But it’s more about the principle.
Arsenal fans are watching other clubs solve their problems before the window even opens. Meanwhile, the Gunners haven’t got any certainty on Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Özil or Jack Wilshere, and don’t seem to have anyone lined up to come in either.
You can understand why some supporters are concerned.