Arsenal: Thomas Vermaelen linked with Milan; Gunners eye Shaquiri

Thomas Vermaelen looks on from the bench during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Arsenal FC and SSC Napoli at Emirates Stadium on October 1, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images)

AC Milan are reportedly planning a bid for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen in the January transfer window.

The former Ajax defender has struggled to find a place in the starting lineup in recent months as Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have formed a rock-solid defensive partnership.

And with World Cup fast approaching, the Belgian would like to get as many games as possible under his belt to ensure he makes the team flight for football’s most prestigious tournament.

A move away from Emirates would be a good option for the centre-back. But in an interview with Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad, Vermaelen said: “I am happy at Arsenal and at no time have I thought about leaving here.”

In other Arsenal news, the Gunners seem keen on strengthening their depth out wide. They have been linked with the likes of Marco Rues and Angel Di Maria in recent weeks, and the latest player rumoured to be on their radar is Bayern Munich’s Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.

Arsenal are reportedly plotting an initial bid of £15m (in January) to lure the trickster away from the defending European champions.

Shaqiri has been plying his trade for the Bavarians since his £10million move in 2012 from FC Basel. With the likes of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery in the squad, his opportunities have been few and far between.