Arsene Wenger has told Manchester United the requirements needed in order to sign captain Thomas Vermaelen this summer.
The boss wants defensive cover and if Vermaelen was allowed to leave, Wenger would have to spend a considerable amount on a suitable replacement.
It is understood that Wenger has told United officials that Phil Jones or Chris Smalling would have to be offered alongside £10m (in a player plus cash sale), in order to allow the Belgian to leave the Emirates.
Vermaelen, 28, only has one year left on his contract and his value of £10m is nothing unexpected. However, what may prove to be the stumbling block on this deal would be wether United should let one of their rising stars in Phil Jones leave to the club’s rivals.
Chris Smalling has always been admired by Wenger, and could be an option to add into this deal, but Smalling has always been useful back-up to any injured defenders.
United have already had one tabled bid knocked back, but are confident of tying up a deal very shortly.
By Ollie Brown
