Rumour: Thomas Vermaelen wants to leave Arsenal in the summer

Vermaelen on the move?

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has told the club that he wants to leave the club this summer, with the Belgium international defender frustrated at a lack of playing time. He has been unable to break up the club’s central defensive partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, leading his agent to tell French media outlet Le 10 Sport that he has notified manager Arsene Wenger of his wish to leave the club.

Vermaelen has made just seven league appearances this season, having lost his place in the side to Mertesacker last season. The German has gone on to form a rock-solid partnership with Koscielny, restricting Vermaelen’s playing time.

His agent, Alex Kroes, told Le 10 Sport: “Thomas has told Wenger that he wants to leave Arsenal this summer.”

The former Ajax man has been linked with a host of club’s around Europe during the past few months. Italian duo Napoli and Inter Milan are said to be interested in the defender, whilst Premier League side West Ham considered an ambitious loan swoop for Vermaelen in January.

Vermaelen has made over 100 appearances for Arsenal since his 2009 move to the club, but looks set to be leaving the Emirates in the summer. He has one year remaining on his contract at the club but, whilst the Belgian provides excellent back up, Wenger is likely to allow him to move on in the summer in order to secure first team football.