According to reports, Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen, has told the club he wants to leave after the World Cup.
The Belgium centre-back, who is currently in Brazil, has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium due to Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker taking command at the heart of the back-line, and despite keeping the captain’s armband, Vermaelen’s first-team opportunities were limited last season.
It’s believed that Vermaelen has told his close friends that he’s ready to swap the Emirates Stadium for Old Trafford and become the second Arsenal captain to make that switch, following in the footsteps of Robin Van Persie.
Louis Van Gaal, who will take over at Old Trafford after the World Cup, is reportedly interested in the 28-year-old and is willing to pay up to £12million for the defender, as he eyes him as a replacement for Nemanja Vidic, who has joined Inter Milan.
If Vermaelen does eventually leave Arsenal, it will leave Arsene Wenger with just two recognised centre-backs, which would mean signings at the back would be vital, especially with Bacary Sagna departing as well.
It’s thought that representatives of Vermaelen are currently talking to United officials, but a deal will wait on whether Wenger can find a suitable replacement, as he doesn’t want to sell his captain without securing someone to take his place.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
