An 18 year old Ajax prospect from the windy Danish city of Middelfart is on Wenger’s radar. Christian Eriksen has been described by coach Martin Jol as the next Wesley Sneijder or Rafael Van Der Vaart. Some early comparisons include Danish great Michael Laudrup.
“I have to be very wrong if this player will not become a good, a very good or a top player,” Jol has said.
Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, now a youth coach at Ajax has provided Wenger the ears on the ground. His scouting reports have been glowing.
A note here. This appears odd because of the potential conflict of interest. An ex- Arsenal player, the serving coach of a team reputed for providing world class talent is dishing out reports to a manager reputed the world over for nurturing said talent. Can we say mole? Anyways, can’t complain if it ensures Arsenal a supply of quality talent for aeons.
Eriksen is on a low paid youth team deal and his contract is set to expire next year.
Whatever the situation, the Dutch club has sounded action stations to ward of the threats of poaching and is now offering Eriksen a 5 year contract that should keep him at the club till 2015. That way they can negotiate a good price should Arsenal or Chelsea come knocking. The attacking midfielder debuted for the senior squad in January and has made regular appearances since then.
Here is a clip of Eriksen playing Vitesse. Looks very good.