Vermaelen To PSG – Don’t Even Consider It Arsene!

When “transfer” and “Vermaelen” are mentioned too close together in the same sentence, millions of Arsenal fans all over the world, recoil in horror. Without him in the side this season, Arsenal have conceded an awfully embarrassing 16 goals in just seven Premier League games, and last season conceded the most goals inside of the top four as Vermaelen was forced to watch from the stands, recovering from injury.

The nickname bestowed upon the Belgian centre back by Arsenal fans sum up how they feel about his importance to the back line. They call him “The Verminator” after the virtually indestructible character in the Terminator films. Without him, Arsenal’s defence is unfortunately and far too obviously anything but “indestructible’.

To lose him to injury is bad enough (he is currently recovering from a long-term ankle problem) but to lose him to another club would surely not be an option for Arsene Wenger to consider. However, Paris Saint Germain are reportedly interested in signing the 25 year-old as early as January. It is all currently only speculation, Arsenal will be pleased to know, but with just two years left on Vermaelen’s contract, Arsenal must be keen to avoid yet another infuriating contract saga as they suffered with Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy.

With the Qatar Investment Authority holding a 70% steak in PSG, money is no object to them. If they want Arsenal’s defender in the future, the French Ligue 1 side have the huge financial backing which Wenger cannot or will not compete with. Having been linked to the likes of David Beckham and Kaka in the pas few weeks alone, it is clear that the intentions are to create an experienced, talented squad of professionals, and there is no doubt that Vermaelen fits the bill.

Arsenal simply cannot afford his loss. Per Mertesacker, Johan Djourou, Laurent Koscielny, Sebastian Squallaci – all would be complimented hugely by the number 5’s presence. His committed, uncompromising, robust style is a much needed feature to Wenger’s side, currently lacking in much backbone, mainly due to unfortunate injuries to the clubs best players.

Vermaelen is crucial to Arsenal, and a vital antidote to what many believe to be Arsenal’s main cause for concern; the defence. Losing Vermaelen would be Manchester United’s equivalent of losing Nemanja Vidic, Chelsea’s equivalent of losing John Terry and Manchester City’s equivalent of losing Vincent Kompany. Those clubs would not let that happen and nor should Arsenal, especially if their ambition lies higher than 15th, which is where they currently sit.

As long as Wenger gets his vice-captain signed onto a long-term contract, the worries for his future should be quelled. If not, and considering Arsenal’s recent luck in the transfer window, you may expect the worse.