Barcelona Linked With Arsenal Raid

With the summer transfer window now open, we’ll keep you up-to-date with all the latest Arsenal transfer news. Today sees Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen linked with Barcelona.

Barcelona are weighing up a move for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, according to the Daily Mail.

The report claims that Barca have drawn up a short list of defenders after being priced out of a move for number one target Thiago Silva. The Catalans are believed to have put aside around £30m for a new centre back this summer, but AC Milan have already rejected a £32.5m offer from PSG for the Brazilian stopper, leaving Barca looking for alternatives.

Chelsea’s David Luiz is said to be high on their wish list and the former Benfica man is understood to be open to the move, but Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta feels it would be difficult to persuade Chelsea into selling.

This has lead to the Spaniards looking to our very own Vermaelen, and despite the Belgian recently signing a contract extension and declaring he would stay at Arsenal this summer, Barca feel they could land the 26-year-old.

Also under consideration are the likes of Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen, who is close to a move to Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund duo Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic, as well as Lyon’s Dejan Lovren.

FT Verdict

Despite Barcelona’s arrogance in thinking they can sign anybody they like, Thomas Vermaelen will not be leaving Arsenal this summer. He is under contract, the club don’t want to sell and the player has declared he isn’t interested in moving. End of.

Read more Arsenal transfer rumours

What do you think, will Vermaelen still be an Arsenal player next season? Get involved in the comments section.