Arsenal Manager hints defender could join Manchester United

So will another player follow in the footsteps of Robin Van Persie ditching Arsenal to join Manchester United? Guradian have reported that Manchester United ready to move for Thomas Vermaelen with Arsene Wenger saying his captain could move in this month to join the club’s fierce rivals. The Belgian was relegated to the bench thanks to Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny’s astute defending and with Calum Chambers joining the Gunners, Vermaelen’s future is set to be well and truly over at the Emirates.

Earlier Barcelona were also interested in signing the 28 year old, but the Blaugrana’s deal for Jermy Mathieu means the Catalan club will pursue Vermaelen with less intent meaning United are given the green light  to sign Vermaelen. Arsene Wenger said yesterday in press conference, “Vermaelen is injured. It is a possibility that he goes. If he goes, we have to replace him because he’s an important player in our squad.”

Wenger: "@T_Vermaelen05 is injured. It is a possibility that he goes." http://t.co/GFNaNzGOGy #EmiratesCup

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 1, 2014

Vermaelen would cost around £12m as the Guardian claims and with Manchester United’s needs for central defenders well documented, Louis Van Gaal could snap up the current Gooner who would very well fit in his favoured 3-5-2 at Old Trafford. Wenger however isn’t fully inclined to part with his left footed centre back, ““No, I expect him to stay but he, of course, did not play enough games last year. For me he’s a very important player but I couldn’t guarantee him the games he wanted last year.”

There is no doubt that Vermaelen wants to feature out day in and day out for the London club but Wenger currently cannot promise him that while if he makes a move to Old Trafford the player will effectively get a starting eleven spot every game week.

Arsenal have the knack of selling away players but this time it’s more of the player’s individual will to get more game time. United’s gain will be Arsenal’s pain in what could be hinted at the resurrection of the Belgian’s flourishing carerr which hit a stumbling block over the past season plagued by injuries.

Comments

[Rik Shaw]

Vermaelen is a good club man, more agile and versatile than a lot of central defenders . Ideally I would like Wenger to persuade him that he will get enough playing time but with Chambers able to cover in several defensive positions it's looking increasingly difficult to get Vermaelen the playing time he wants. Add to that the fact that club people are saying Hector Bellerin is a real option at right back then Wenger is going to have difficulty fitting them all in. Hence I suspect he's prepared to see Vermaelen leave.