Thomas Vermaelen could leave Arsenal for more first team opportunities

Vermaelen pictured during an Arsenal training session

Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermaelen has admitted that he could leave the club in search of better playing opportunities, The Daily Mail reports.

The Belgium international, who will play for his country against Wales on Tuesday, has said that he will reconsider his future with Arsenal if he continues to be benched by the club.

The 27-year-old has fallen out of favour with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who prefers Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker as the club’s first choice centre-backs.

The defender continues to battle for his place in the national team with Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen firmly established in the first team.

When asked about his place at the Emirates, he said:

“I’ll have to think about that when it’s necessary. January is still a few months ahead. Of course, never playing will not be the ideal situation for me to go to the World Cup, that’s for sure.

“People ask me if I panic because I’m not playing a lot but I’m not.

“I have spoken to the manager but it will remain private between us. Things can happen in a split second and change my situation. That can happen tomorrow or next weekend.

“In that case, we will speak differently in January. I have to be ready for that.”