Five players who could replace Thomas Vermaelen at the Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal look set to allow club captain Thomas Vermaelen to depart this summer, with Manchester United and Barcelona amongst the clubs believed to be interested in the Belgian – although it now appears that it is the La Liga giants who have managed to agree a fee for the player.
Despite a settled first choice partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, the Gunners are likely to have to replace Vermaelen – potentially with one of these five:
Matija Nastasic (Manchester City)
Arsenal have already been linked with a move for 21 year-old Matija Nastasic from Manchester City this summer, with some reports suggesting that the Premier League champions have officially transfer listed the youngster.
Nastasic could be a future star for the Gunners if Wenger does make his move, having impressed sporadically when given the opportunity to impress at Eastlands.
Daniel Agger (Liverpool)
Arsenal are planning a shock move for Liverpool’s unwanted centre back Daniel Agger, according to reports from the Mirror, with the Danish international having become hugely unsettled at Anfield due to a lack of first team football.
Whether this would improve at the Emirates Stadium, however, is uncertain, due to the fine partnership of Koscielny and Mertesacker.
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Arsenal have also been linked with an audacious swoop for Borussia Dortmund centre back Mats Hummels, should they manage to move Vermaelen on, although the German World Cup winner would cost a huge £30m.
He is one of the best centre backs in the world, however, and would be a huge statement of intent by the Gunners.
Bressan (Gremio)
Early in the summer, Arsenal were suggested to be chasing young Brazilian defender Bressan from Briseleiro outfit Gremio – and could potentially revive their bid if Vermaelen’s departure if confirmed and a space in the squad becomes available.
Joel Veltman (Ajax)
A member of Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Ajax centre back Joel Veltman has previously been linked with Arsenal, and this interest could be rekindled if they are required to source a replacement for Vermaelen, who himself joined from the Eredivisie champions.