Arsenal and Man Utd chasing Aston Villa’s Vlaar

By Andrew Tuft Thursday 25 September 2014 Arsenal and Manchester United will both look to tempt Ron Vlaar away from Aston Villa in the January transfer window, the Metro has reported. Vlaar’s Villa contract expires at the end of the season and there have been no talks regarding an extension, which could see the Gunners and the Red Devils try to exploit the situation with a mid-season move. The 29-year-old was part of Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands squad for the World Cup, with Vlaar missing the decisive penalty in the semi-final shootout against Argentina as the Dutch finished in third place. Van Gaal moved to United following the tournament but is thought to want to bolster the centre of his defence further despite the signing of Argentina international Marcos Rojo. Arsenal meanwhile are said to be looking for an experienced central defender to fill the void left by Thomas Vermaelen, who moved to Barcelona during the summer window. Wenger can only call on Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker as experienced central defenders, with Calum Chambers, signed from Southampton, having played almost exclusively as a right-back prior to joining the Gunners. Vlaar moved to Villa from Feyenoord in 2012 and is the team captain under Paul Lambert, having made 68 appearances for the club, scoring twice. Think you know your football? Share your knowledge, tips and comments to win cash prizes in OLBG's tipster competition - £11,000 to be won monthly!