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Thomas Vermaelen set for Barcelona after Manchester United pull out Thomas Vermaelen close to Barcelona move after Manchester United pull out
(35 minutes later)
Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen is close to a £15m move to Barcelona after a proposed switch to Manchester United broke down.Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen is close to a £15m move to Barcelona after a proposed switch to Manchester United broke down.
The Belgium defender could complete a move to the Nou Camp over the weekend. The Belgium defender could complete a move to the Camp Nou over the weekend. United wanted to sign the defender but ended their interest on Friday after Louis van Gaal refused to include a player in exchange.
United wanted to sign the defender but ended their interest on Friday after Louis van Gaal refused to include a player in exchange. The new United manager had considered the Belgium centre-back to be a candidate to fill the left-sided position in the back three of the 3-5-2 system he is aiming to implement at Old Trafford this season.
The new United manager had targeted the Belgium centre-back to fill the left-sided position in the back three of the 3-5-2 system he is looking to implement at Old Trafford this season. However, Arsène Wenger has steadfastly refused to sell to their rivals unless a swap deal could be agreed and Van Gaal is not prepared to consider that.
However, Arsène Wenger has steadfastly refused to sell to their rivals unless a swap deal could be agreed, and Van Gaal is not prepared to consider that.
On Thursday Wenger all but admitted United were one of the clubs interested in the defender and refused to discuss the size of the bids received but confirmed Arsenal have received offers for the Belgian.On Thursday Wenger all but admitted United were one of the clubs interested in the defender and refused to discuss the size of the bids received but confirmed Arsenal have received offers for the Belgian.
“Have we received bids? Yes. I can’t tell you who from but you will know very soon,” Wenger said. “Are Man United one of the teams to have made an offer? I think they could be in the group.”“Have we received bids? Yes. I can’t tell you who from but you will know very soon,” Wenger said. “Are Man United one of the teams to have made an offer? I think they could be in the group.”
Club captain Vermaelen, who joined from Ajax in 2009, made 21 appearances for the Gunners last season. Niggling injuries and the form of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker limited his impact. However, despite being an unused substitute at Wembley, he did lift the FA Cup in May as Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought. Vermaelen, who arrived from Ajax in 2009, made 21 appearances for Arsenal last season. Niggling injuries and the form of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker limited his impact. However, despite being an unused substitute at Wembley, he did lift the FA Cup in May as Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought.
The 28-year-old has made 150 appearances in all competitions, scoring 15 goals for the Gunners. The 28-year-old has made 150 appearances in all competitions, scoring 15 goals for the London club.