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 10:05 EDT
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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)

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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.

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