West Brom fans will love Arsene Wenger’s ‘top level’ claim about Krystian Bielik

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West Bromwich Albion look to be closing in on the signing of Krystian Bielik.

Bielik is set to join West Brom from their West Midlands neighbours Birmingham City after spending three seasons at St Andrew’s Stadium.

The Poland international has made over 100 appearances and is expected to replace Torbjorn Heggem, who is set to join Bologna for £10m.

With a wealth of experience at Championship level, it’s a deal that Ryan Mason will be happy to have got done and if Arsene Wenger’s comments in 2016 are anything to go by, Baggies fans have got a gem on their hands.

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Arsene Wenger tipped Krystian Bielik for greatness in 2016

Wenger knows a player when he sees one and is responsible for the development of the likes of Cesc Fabregas over the years.

It was the Frenchman who sanctioned the deal to sign a then-16-year-old Bielik from Legia Warsaw and the legendary Arsenal manager predicted him to go to the top.

“Bielek has all the qualities and ingredients to be a top level centre-back,” he told Sky Sports in 2016.

“I converted him into a centre-back because I felt he can play the type of football we want to play as a centre-back.

“What I have try to do with him this season is to work on his positional play and improve him, and give him some games.”

Krystian Bielik can be Kyle Bartley 2.0

Kyle Bartley’s shock retirement means that West Brom lost a real focal point in the dressing room.

Nat Phillips has starred for the Baggies but has no real experience of leading a team out.

Not only has Bielik been a captain at Birmingham, he has also done so for Derby County.

He’s also won promotion before in his career and while it may not be a glamorous signing on paper, it’s one that could be crucial at the end of the season.