Skysports reported today that Robin van Persie is confident Arsenal have identified a quality player in Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen.
The Belgium international is said to be closing in on a move to the Gunners, with latest reports suggesting he is set for a medical.
Holland striker Van Persie has welcomed the club's decision to bolster their defence and is sure 23-year-old Vermaelen will prove a successful capture.
"It's a good thing," Van Persie told De Telegraaf. "There's nothing wrong with the qualities of Vermaelen. He can play as left-back and central defender and we need this type of player.
"The guys that we now have on those positions are already somewhat older.
"Oour head scout does and he doesn't do such a thing out of the blue. He needs to see a player 30 to 40 times before a decision is made."
The Guardian also made more similar claims yesterday saying, "Arsène Wenger is closing in on the €12m (£10.4m) capture of Ajax's Thomas Vermaelen and the Arsenal manager could yet move for a second centre-half, Brede Hangeland of Fulham. If Wenger can close the deals, it would place a question mark against the Arsenal futures of Kolo Touré and William Gallas, the first-choice central defensive pairing of this past season, who both endured difficult campaigns. Touré is attracting interest from Manchester City and Gallas is a long-term casualty with damaged knee ligaments."
