Russian side Zenit are ready to make a formal bid for Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen in the hope that they can sign the Belgium international before their transfer deadline shuts later this month.
Despite England’s deadline slamming shut last Friday, Russian clubs can still be active in the market and Zenit have made it clear that they are ready to end Vermaelen’s current nightmare at the Emirates Stadium.
Although Vermaelen is Arsenal’s club-captain, in recent months, he has only been used as a substitute due to the impressive partnership forming between Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.
It has been reported that Zenit have got in touch with Arsenal officials and have enquired about the Belgium’s availability, but considering Arsene Wenger turned away offers from Serie A duo Napoli and AS Roma, it is expected that he will do the same for Zenit.
The Russian side brought Andrey Arshavin back off Arsenal in the Summer, and it now appears that they are ready to sign yet another Arsenal back-up.
According to reports, Zenit are willing to go as high as £18million in order to capture the Belgium.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles