Arsene Wenger confirms Arsenal have received bids for Thomas Vermaelen

Arsene Wenger confirms bids for Thomas Vermaelen have been made

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that they have received an official bid for their captain Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgian, who had struggled for first time action in the last season, due to the partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, had indicated earlier that he might have to reconsider his future at the club.

Both Barcelona and Manchester United have indicated serious interest in the Belgian. Barcelona officials are reportedly in London to negotiate a deal, with a £10 million bid having been touted while Manchester United’s manager Louis van Gaal has also declared his interest in signing the versatile defender.

Arsene Wenger was quoted as saying: “Vermaelen could leave us because he needs to play now. We're in a position where it's difficult to stand in his way. We have offers from abroad and ideally I would rather sell him to a club abroad.”

The defender made only 14 appearances for Arsenal last season, and is struggling with a hamstring injury at the moment.

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