Old Trafford side step-up pursuit of Emirates Stadium back-up performer.
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Man United continue to pursue Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen with new Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal looking to the Belgian to fill two defensive roles according to the Guardian.
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The 28 year old can play as a left-back or in a central defensive role but is something of a bit-part player at the Emirates Stadium as Arsene Wenger opts instead to use Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker as his first choice central defensive unit and Kieran Gibbs as his first choice left-back, therefore a move away seems plausible.
Arsenal are said to want £12m for the former Ajax man, who has just a year to run on his current Gunners deal, and it’s a fee van Gaal would do well to pay.
With Patrice Evra set to join Juventus Vermaelen could act as a solid back-up to new signing Luke Shaw though would presumably be initially seen as a player to fill the void following the departures of veterans Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.
Van Gaal could choose to use Vermaelen alongside the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling or Jonny Evans or could opt to bring in further reinforcements.
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