Manchester United transfer news: Thomas Vermaelen 'unwilling' to sign a new Arsenal contract - reports

Trio of clubs chasing the Belgian centre-back

Staff
Monday 04 August 2014 15:05 BST
Comments
Thomas Vermaelen could leave Arsenal in January if he remains on the fringes of the first team
Thomas Vermaelen could leave Arsenal in January if he remains on the fringes of the first team (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Thomas Vermaelen is a step closer to leaving Arsenal because he is 'unwilling' to sign a new deal at the club, according to reports.

The Belgian centre-back has been a target of new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal all summer, but Barcelona and Napoli are also believed to be interested in the 28-year-old.

According to the Daily Mail, Vermaelen does not want to sign a new deal at the Emirates and will instead look to leave the club.

Arsene Wenger does not want to sell his club captain, but with just a year left on his contact the manager risks losing him for nothing next summer.

Vermaelen's close friendship with United striker Robin van Persie - with whom he shares an agent - is thought to be a factor. Arsenal have already rejected a bid of around £7m from United this summer.

Vermaelen, who missed the Emirates Cup with a hamstring injury, is Wenger's third choice in his position, with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker forming a formidable partnership.

The former Ajax graduate started just 14 Premier League matches last season.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in