Manchester United reportedly lead the race for Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen

Thomas Vermaelen: Another Gunner heading to Premie League rival?

Manchester United have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen this summer, according to reports in the Daily Star.

The 28-year-old has been pushed down the pecking order at the Emirates stadium due to the formidable partnership that has been forged between Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker in the heart of the Gunners’ defence.

The centre-back, who has been included in Marc Wilmots’ Belgium World Cup squad, only has one year left on his current deal with the north Londoners and could leave the club on a free transfer next summer.

However, having grown unsettled due to his lack of game time, the 28-year-old is widely expected to depart this summer with Wenger keen to recoup a sum for the defender’s services.

A number of European clubs have been linked with the centre-back’s signature, including Juventus and Fiorentina, but Premier League rivals Manchester United are now regarded as the favourites.

Veterans Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have both left Old Trafford and the Red Devils are in need of defensive reinforcements if they are to challenge for silverware under new manager Louis van Gaal.