Manchester United are interested in strengthening their defense this summer…
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Arsenal have rejected an initial £6 million offer from Manchester United for defender Thomas Vermaelen, according to reports in the Daily Mail.
The 28-year-old, who is currently on World Cup duty with Belgium, only has a year to run on his Emirates contract, but Arsenal are believed to be holding out for up to £12 million for their club captain, who was an unused substitute in the Gunners FA Cup triumph last month.
Vermaelen, who limped off injured during his country’s recent 1-0 World Cup win over Russia, has reportedly told friends that he wants to move to Old Trafford, after falling out of favour with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger last season.
Italian side Napoli have also registered an interest in the defender that joined the Gunners from Ajax in 2009, and has since made 150 appearances for the club – scoring 15 goals.
However, the Manchester club are desperate for defensive reinforcements, following the departures of experienced duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Vermaelen’s experience could be the key factor in Louis van Gaal’s desire to bring the Belgian to Old Trafford.
With a move for Athletic Bilbao’s Ander Herrera also on the verge of completion, it could be a busy week for United in the transfer market, with a fresh bid for Luke Shaw of Southampton also believed to be imminent.
Watch Vermaelen celebrate Arsenal’s FA Cup success here:
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