TRANSFERS: Wenger says “Top-Class” international won’t leave Arsenal in January

Thomas Vermaelen (Centre)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he expects Thomas Vermaelen to stay at the club beyond January despite speculation about his future.

The Belgian has rarely featured for the club this season because of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker’s defensive solidity which has led rumours linking Vermaelen with a move away from the Premier League-leaders.

Wenger is pleased with the way his captain has reacted despite spending the majority of the season watching from the sidelines.

“It’s tough to leave Vermaelen out because of his quality, his attitude and his influence at the club,” Wenger told Sky Sports.

“It’s a difficult decision to make because he is a top-class player. He certainly suffers but he handles it with great dignity and great professionalism.

“I’m not concerned that he might move in January because if he wants to do that he will come and see me, which he has not done.”

Vermaelen has been linked to Borussia Dortmund due to their defensive injury crisis and has admitted recently that he fears for his World Cup place because of a lack of playing time.

Vermaelen has won 53% of his duels which is slightly better than Laurent Koscielny who has won 51% of his.