Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects Vermaelen stay

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that the club's captain Thomas Vermaelen will stay with the club beyond the January transfer window.

The Belgian International has found it hard to find his place into the Gunners' first team, following the excellent form of central defensive duo of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker since the start of the season.


The Gunners boss is believed to be impressed by the 28-year-old's way of handling the tough period, and does not expect the centre-back to make way from the club during the New Year.


"It's tough to leave Vermaelen out because of his quality, his attitude and his influence at the club," Wenger said. "It's a difficult decision to make because he is a top-class player. He certainly suffers but he handles it with great dignity and great professionalism.


"I'm not concerned that he might move in January because if he wants to do that he will come and see me, which he has not done."


High flying Arsenal face-off against Hull City in their next Premier League encounter at the Emirates today.