Rumour: Manchester United to sign Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen after World Cup

Manchester United are aiming to complete the signing of Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen as soon as Belgium are eliminated from the World Cup, reports the Daily Mirror.

Arsenal were believed to be unwilling to sanction the sale until they had brought in a replacement, but United are confident that a £10 million deal is imminent.

The 28-year-old only has one year left on his deal at the Emirates, and United had hoped to get the centre-back for as little as £6 million, but Arsenal are holding out for at least £10 million.

The experienced pair of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both left the club at the end of the season, and new manager Louis van Gaal believes Vermaelen’s knowledge of the Premier League will be invaluable to the squad.

The Belgium international struggled for first-team football last season, and only started seven games in the league. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have established themselves as Arsene Wenger’s preferred defensive pairing, and Vermaelen is understood to be eager for a fresh start.

Belgium face Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals tonight, and United will step up their efforts to sign the defender if they are eliminated.

Vermaelen would be United’s third signing of the summer, following the recent arrivals of central midfielder Ander Herrera and left-back Luke Shaw for a combined fee of around £60 million.Thomas Vermaelen completed 91% of his passes in the Premier League last season.