Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk should avoid joining Arsenal, warns Frank de Boer.
The 23-year-old Dutchman has been strongly linked with a move to a number of Premier League sides after impressing both in the Scottish Premier League and the Europa League for Celtic.
Sunderland, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked in recent weeks, but it is understood that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to make a January swoop after sending scouts to watch the versatile defender in action.
It is being reported by a number of Scottish press outlets that the Gunners will submit a first £8m bid, which they believe will tempt Celtic in to parting ways with the former Groningen defender.
However, Ajax boss De Boer has advised the defender to remain in Scotland.
“When Virgil signed for Celtic, I knew he had everything to go on and be a top central defender, both in Scotland and in Europe,” the Ajax coach told the Daily Record.
“I thought he had the attributes to go on and become one of the best players in the SPL so it is no surprise to me that is exactly what he has done.
“It is also no surprise to me that he is being linked with clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United. They are both in the situation where they could use another top central defender and they are not easy to find.
“I am sure that he could be a success for any club in Europe but Celtic will know exactly what they have and no coach will ever want to sell in January.
“It is such a difficult window to sign players that you don’t want to lose your best one during it.
“It would be good for him to win trophies in the SPL first before he thinks about anything else; it will all be a part of his education.”