Arsenal target Virgil van Dijk should be aiming to secure a move to a top six Premier League side if he leaves Celtic this summer , according to John Hartson . Van Dijk has been linked with a number of clubs in England 's top flight this season with Sunderland and Everton both being priced out of a deal to sign the 23-year-old in the January transfer window . Last month Southampton also watched the Dutch centre back during Celtic 's 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the Europa League . Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk ( left ) could play for a top six Premier League side , according to John Hartson . Hartson also believes that the 23-year-old is currently as good as Arsenal centre back Laurent Koscielny ( left ) Arsenal also enquired about the defender prior to signing Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal . And Hartson , who played for both the Gunners and Celtic , believes Van Dijk is as good as current Arsenal first-team centre back Laurent Koscielny . ' I like big Virgil . I think he 's the full package . He 's quick , he can leap and defensively he is sound , ' the former Wales international said . 'Celtic did fantastically to keep hold of him in the summer . It was a fantastic bit of business by [ manager ] Ronny Deila , who no doubt has had a word in his ear and told him : `` If you give me another year to 18 months , then you can have your move . '' 'He will keep improving with Celtic and in time , he will become a top-class centre-half that a lot of clubs will be interested in . 'Is he top notch ? Is he as good as the Laurent Koscielny 's of this world ? ' I think he is . I think he is a top-six Premier League player . I really do . ' Van Dijk ( right ) has courted interest from the Gunners , Southampton , Everton and Sunderland recently .
Celtic left back mark van Dijk was recently scouted by Southampton . bury and Sunderland were priced out of their transfer window move . Arsenal enquired about the 23-year - old prior to joining Gabriel ##pool .