Ian Wright: 'Arsenal should go in very strong for Virgil van Dijk'

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged his former club to make a move for wantaway Southampton star Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman released a lengthy statement on Monday confirming that he has asked to leave St Mary's.

It is believed that the centre-back, who has denied suggestions that he has refused to train, wants to join Liverpool.

Chelsea have also been linked to the 26-year-old's signature, and now Wright has claimed that Arsenal should put themselves in the running.

"We haven't signed the players that people are constantly talking about, who are going to lead Arsenal," Wright told BBC Radio 5 live.

"At some stage during the season they're going to need those players and that is where the test is going to come. Now it's Leicester, Stoke and Liverpool just to start and the pre-season hasn't gone fantastically. I would have definitely tried to get van Dijk. I would be going in very strong."

Reports have claimed that Southampton are still refusing to sell the defender, despite his transfer request.