Rumour: Barcelona move in for unsettled Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen

Thomas Vermaelen in action for Arsenal in 2013.

Thomas Vermaelen is edging closer to securing a move away from The Emirates with Barcelona keen to bring the Gunners’ captain to Nou Camp, according to reports.

Reports suggest that Arsenal last night were considering an official bid of £10million from Barcelona for the Belgian international.

It has been a summer of uncertainty for Vermaelen as the 28-year old enters his final year of his contract in North London.

Recent reports have suggested that the Belgian’s future lies elsewhere with Arsene Wenger not commiting to any guarantees about Vermaelen’s at the the club. He even has gone to the extent as saying that if the Arsenal skipper moves on, he would have to seek for a replacement.

Vermaelen moved to Arsenal in 2009 from Ajax Amsterdam and soon became their cornerstone in defence and a crowd favourite. However, injuries and indifferent performances in recent season has seen the club captain slip down the pecking order of Arsene Wenger.

With Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny putting in stellar performances (barring three games) at the heart of the defence last season, Vermaelen’s way back into the side seems to be a huge climb uphill.

Manchester United had long looked to favourites to woo Vermaelen away with multiple reports claiming Louis van Gaal keen on recruiting the Belgian.

The Spanish giants, however now look to be in pole position for Vermaelen’s signature with Luis Enrique ready to make him one of the viable options to replace Carlos Puyol at the back.

The Belgian will however face stiff competition at Nou Camp if Arsenal were to agree to the bid. Barcelona also brought in French defender Jérémy Mathieu from Valencia last month for a reported €20 million.