Thomas Vermaelen looks set to move to Manchester United this summer, with different sources suggesting that Louis Van Gaal is determined to bring the Belgian centre-back to Old Trafford to replace the departed Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand and the 28-year-old could be United’s third summer signing, following the arrivals on Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera at the end of last week.
The Arsenal captain was first linked with United almost two weeks ago but he has since denied he had any intentions of leaving the Emirates, while the North London club issued a statement dismissing the rumours linking their captain with a summer move as simple speculations.
Surprising thought it might be, United’s interest however seems to be extremely concrete and Ed Woodward could soon knock on Arsene Wenger’s door with an offer in the region of £11m after an initial £6m bid was rejected, claims the Express.
Vermaelen, who will be in action tonight when Belgium take on the USA in the final round of 16 match at the World Cup, remains a rather strange option for United with many suggesting the club would be better off looking elsewhere given the Belgian has been badly out of form and lost his spot in the starting XI to Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny last season.
Vermaelen’s shaky form looks to have affected his status at international level as well, with the Belgian left on the bench in two of his country’s first three games at the World Cup and when he did start he only lasted 31 minutes before being replaced by Jan Vertonghen.
The Arsenal captain has also been troubled by injuries over the last 18 months – he managed only 21 appearances in all competitions last season – though he remains a classy defender on his day and knows the Premier League inside out having spent the last five seasons at the Emirates. Furthermore, he could be available for a relatively low price, given Arsenal would rather cash in on him this summer than losing him for free in 12 months when his deal expires.
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