Arsenal set to battle Italian duo for Belgian defender

Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen is set to be one of the most sought after defenders in the January transfer window - with Arsenal, Juventus and AC Milan all interested in him.

Arsene Wenger has noted Vertonghen's versatility - he can play in the centre of defence and midfield - as one of his biggest assets and he is weighing up a move for him in January.

Arsenal released positive financial results last week and now the fans are desperate to see money invested in players to help their title charge - and Belgium international Vertonghen is on Wenger's list.

Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci were signed in the summer and will compete to partner Thomas Vermaelen as Arsenal's first choice centre-back pairing, but Vermaelen's fellow countryman is also wanted.

Wenger is impressed with the 23-year-old's ability to play in midfield and his arrival would give the likes of Alex Song and Abou Diaby competition.

But the Arsenal manager faces a fight to land Vertonghen as Juventus and AC Milan are also interested. Barcelona were keen on Vertonghen in the summer but dropped their interest following the arrival of Javier Mascherano but the Argentine has failed to settle in the Nou Camp.