Vermaelen Ready To Snub Barcelona Interest To Fight For Arsenal Place

Despite the transfer window being closed there is still plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, Thomas Vermaelen is willing to fight for his Arsenal future.

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen is willing to snub interest from Barcelona to stay and fight for his place at the Emirates, according to the Daily Mail.

The Belgian international has endured a tough season after seeing himself dropped to the bench following a string of unconvincing displays at the back.  He was left on the sidelines as Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny struck up an impressive partnership that’s seen them concede just two goals in five games, including a superb display during a 2-0 win away at Bayern Munich.

Vermaelen was recalled last Saturday for the 3-1 win over Norwich due to Mertesacker’s suspension but despite a steady display, the skipper saw himself back on the bench for Tuesday’s crucial clash with Everton – which finished 0-0 with Mertesacker and Koscielny impressive once again.

This has lead to question marks over his future and the Daily Mail claims boss Arsene Wenger will listen to offers for Vermaelen this summer with Barcelona understood to be interested, but the centre-back is ready to plead with the Frenchman not to give up on him just yet.

The newspaper suggests the 27-year-old wants to remain at the Emirates and is willing to snub interest from the Spanish giants in order to stay and fight for his first team place at Arsenal, with he and his family believed to be settled in the London area.

Vermaelen’s decline has been swift and ruthless but there is no doubt we’ve look a lot stronger at the back during his absence. However, is this because Thomas isn’t playing or because we’re working harder as a unit and the midfield are offering the back four more protection? The reality is it’s probably a bit of both.

I still think TV5 has something to offer and is a fine player but it seems Wenger has lost confidence in him and I personally felt he’d be on his way this summer after seeing him drop back to the bench for Tuesday’s game with Everton. While it’s good to hear he’s willing to fight for his place, we’ll have to wait and see what Wenger has in store for him this summer.

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Would you be disappointed to see Vermaelen leave? Do you think he deserves to remain on the bench? Get involved in the comments section below.