Jamie Ireland
Robin van Persie’s move between Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United came as quite a shock and it seems another Gunners Captain is on his way to Old Trafford.
The Daily Telegraph report that Manchester United have agreed a £100,000 per week ‘deal in principle’ with current Arsenal Captain Thomas Vermaelen.
Although he is still officially club Captain, the defender has struggled to regain his form after several injuries and his place in the team with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker now a pairing.
With only one year remaining on his contract, it is unlikely that United will have to pay over the £10 million that Arsenal paid to get him back in 2009.
Even though he was a peripheral figure the Emirates last season, the Belgian still showed great passing ability in his 14 league appearances, with 91% accuracy. (Squawka)
Following the departure of centre-back duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, United have been looking for a top quality defender to replace them.
I think Thomas Vermaelen would fit well in Louis van Gaal’s new Manchester United team, he’s good in the air, fast, great passer of the ball and also Premier League proven.
Furthermore, Vermaelen also spent nine years at Ajax and came through the youth system, so he will certainly know and understand the style of play van Gaal wants to install.
There is a common theme appearing, all the Dutch players and former players van Gaal has worked with who are linked with United are all versatile.
Vermaelen can play at centre-back, left-back and can move comfortably into a holding role in midfield.
The players linked with moves are giving a great insight into the type of free-flowing team van Gaal is looking to build in Manchester.
