Rumour: After RvP, Manchester United now want Thomas Vermaelen

A re-union on the cards?

Manchester United want to sign out-of-favour Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen in the summer as a replacement for out-going captain Nemanja Vidic. In 2012, Manchester United had signed the then Arsenal captain Robin van Persie for a reported £24 million, and are now eyeing his successor.

With the rise in form of the pair of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscienly, Vermaelen has seen his first team chances limited at Arsenal, with the captain enjoying a rare start in yesterday’s 4-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup sixth round.

Vidic has agreed a deal to join Italian giants Inter Milan in the summer, while David Moyes is weighing up a move for the 28-year-old as a replacement, according to reports.

The Belgian international had moved to Arsenal in 2009 for a fee of £10million, but due to the limited first team opportunities coupled with a somewhat loss of form, will be hoping for new pastures to freshen things up. According to reports Arsenal are demanding as much as £12m for the services of their captain.

Vermaelen has recently recovered from an injury which had seen him side-lined for approximately 2 months, and started Arsenal’s last night victory over Everton, but is likely to be benched again for the second leg of the round of 16 of UEFA Champions League against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, as Koscienly has been declared fit.