"We want Wenger to stay" - Vermaelen speaks for the Arsenal squad

Thomas Vermaelen has called on Arsene Wenger to sign a new contract to keep him in charge of Arsenal for years to come, heaping praise on his manager as he reaches his landmark 1000th game in charge.

Wenger’s contract ends after the current season and has been in talks with the club for months over a new deal, with the sticking point being over Wenger’s insistence that he remains in full control of any transfer dealings at the Emirates.

Vermaelen wants the delay to end and hopes that Wenger will put pen to paper soon to remain as manager of Arsenal beyond the end of the season.

According to Sky Sports, Vermaelen told reporters, “It’s incredible – not a lot of managers do that nowadays because they come in and out, so for him to achieve 1000 games is something unbelievable.

“Everybody wants him to stay as long as he can. He’s been incredible with what he’s done for this club and for the players as well.

“We would be really happy to see him signing on for a few more years.

“If you see him off the pitch, there’s always a lot of hunger in him and a lot of ambition still. He’s not losing that at all.”

Thomas Vermaelen has managed just eight league appearances this season, having completed 37 clearances in that time.

Vermaelen Appearances – PL 2013/14