Arsenal transfer news: Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk open to Emirates Stadium move in January

Arsenal defender target Virgil van Dijk has hinted that he is ready to force a move away from Celtic, if the Gunners make a formal enquiry for his services.

Arsene Wenger is in the market for a defensive signing and has been linked with various players in recent months, including Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and West Ham United's Winston Reid among others.

The French manager, who recently lost defender Mathieu Debuchy to a long-term injury has indicated that he will be active during the ongoing January transfer window and is looking to sign one or two players.

The north London club have made one acquisition so far and that is of 17-year-old Polish defensive midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw.

Van Dijk has been impressive for Celtic this season and apart from Arsenal, he has also been linked with Manchester United in recent months.

The Netherlands international is aware that the Scottish champions will not let him leave during the winter transfer window, but he has admitted that if a big club from England were to make an offer, he will sit down to discuss the possibility of a transfer away from Celtic Park.

"They will not let me go this winter because we play on four tables.I understand the point of view of the club and I see that as a compliment does not want to let me go this winter. But we must be realistic. If there is a good club in England, we have to discuss. One thing is certain, I want to develop myself as a player," Van Dijk said, as quoted on French newspaper Le 10Sport.

The 23-year-old defender is delighted to be linked with a move to north London, but like Celtic manager Rory Delia stated earlier in the season, the club will not let him go unless interested parties make a massive offer to acquire his services.

"Today I have 23 years and I played Willem II, Groningen and Celtic. And now I am announced at Arsenal. Is that not great? There are many clubs interested but Celtic wants a big transfer fee," the former Groningen player added.