Rumour: Manchester City lining up bid for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen

Thomas Vermaelen

Manchester City are lining up an unexpected swoop for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen in the summer.

Vermaelen, despite being Arsenal’s captain, has not been first-choice at the club this season as Laurent Koscielny has built a formidable partnership with Per Mertesacker.

The Belgian defender is reportedly being lined up to join his international teammate Vincent Kompany in the heart of Manuel Pellegrini’s defence, according to the Metro, following a tricky season at the back which has seen Martin Demichelis and Joleon Lescott struggle.

Summer signing Demichelis has come under fire for some shocking performances, while Lescott fared little better at Barcelona last week and was at fault for Lionel Messi’s goal.

Most weeks, it seems as though Kompany is defending on his own and it is quite clear what City are crying out for – a strong partner to support the City captain.

Lescott, who is wanted by West Ham and Aston Villa, looks likely to leave City in search of regular first-team football in the summer and Pellegrini sees Vermaelen, 28, as the ideal player to help shore City up.

Vermaelen may be seen as that player despite his mistakes and critics at Arsenal over the past year. The Belgian almost left the club in January to seek first-team football and Napoli were interested in ending his nightmare at Arsenal, but the deal didn’t happen.

Vermaelen has only appeared eight times in the league this season, winning four tackles.

Vermaelen Appearances – PL 2013/14