North London club now set to go with Belgium international at the Emirates next season.
Arsenal are set to pull out of a deal to sign Swansea City defender Ashley Williams this summer as the Gunners will not meet the Swans’ £10 million valuation of their captain, says The Times.
The Wales international has been at the Liberty stadium for the past six seasons now, having originally arrived in South Wales from Stockport County in March 2008 for £400,000.
And in the intervening six-year period, the 28-year-old has developed into one of the most consistent and accomplished central defenders in the country, with Williams shining last season at the heart of Swansea’s defence as Michael Laudrup’s side achieved both a top-ten Premier League finish and won their first-ever piece of silverware after beating Bradford City 5-0 in the final of the Capital One Cup at Wembley Stadium in February.
As a result, Swansea have placed a high value on their player, who featured in 41 matches in all competitions for the club last season, including 37 of their 38 Premier League contests, and with a contract in the Principality that runs until the summer of 2015, they feel Williams is well worth their valuation.
However, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reportedly does not share their confidence and so is now set to hand skipper Thomas Vermaelen a lifeline at the Emirates next season.
COMMENTS