Rumour: Arsenal and Manchester City battle for the signature of Dutch defensive rock

Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City are set to go head to head off the pitch this season as they both eye a potential deal for Celtic centre back Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman joined the Hoops from Eredivisie side Groningen last summer for an initial £1.6 million but has won plaudits for his performances at the heart of the Scottish Champions defence.

With centre back proving to be a position that is problematic for both Arsenal and Manchester City as doubts linger over Thomas Vermaelen and Joleon Lescott respectively, the Premier League pair need cover to add strength in depth to their squad ahead of the second half of the campaign. The Scottish side want to hang onto the 22 year-old but a bid in the region of £10 million could be enough to tempt them into a sale.

Neil Lennon would be disappointed to lose van Dijk as he believes he can go on to perform at the highest level, according to quotes attributed to him in The Metro.

“It’s inevitable, if he keeps going and progressing the way he is, that he’ll become a Dutch international. He makes it look easy. People seem to think he has a laid-back attitude, but his work ethic is very high and he’s a kid who wants to get better,” Lennon declared.

Meanwhile, Van Dijk is not so optimistic about his prospects and believes his form has come too late to be considered in Dutch boss Louis van Gaal’s World Cup squad in Brazil.

“I’ve never been invited so I think the chances are not big for me. That’s unfortunate but I have to move on, keep playing well and the chances will come,” he said.

However, if he could prove himself in a top four side in the Premier League, it will surely not be long before van Gaal comes calling.

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The Celtic defender has won an astonishing 80% of his tackles in the Champions League this season.