Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen has expressed his desire to join Arsenal if a deal can be agreed.

The 24-year-old is thought to be keen on a move to the Premier League, and he was spotted in the crowd watching Arsenal's 3-0 win against AC Milan earlier this month.

Now Vertonghen, whose contract runs out in 2013, has spoken openly about his desire to join the North London club.

"I have instructed my agent carefully. He knows which clubs I want to join, and Arsenal are one of them," said the Belgian.

"Arsenal are a magnificent club and I hear a lot of good things about English football. If a club of Arsenal's calibre can reach agreement with Ajax, then I will gladly go over.

"I haven't signed anything with them yet. But I went to watch them against Milan, together with my Ajax teammate Siem de Jong, after Vermaelen invited us."

Vertonghen has scored eight goals in 33 appearances for Ajax so far this season.