West Ham manager reveals interest in Arsenal star

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has revealed his interest in signing one of Arsenal's best players in recent seasons.

The Hammers boss has admitted that he would like to sign Arsenal centre-half Thomas Vermaelen, should he be available during the winter transfer window.


West Ham have found it hard to contain opposition this season mainly due to their injury crisis at the back, where they have leaked 16 goals in the last five games.


Arsenal's out-of-favour defender Thomas Vermaelen is considered as one of the club's top transfer targets but Allardyce believes that the North London club may be reluctant to let go of their Belgian international as he is considered as the main back-up to the first-choice defence pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.


"I think under the circumstances at Arsenal with the situation they're in with the Champions League and cup matches, they've had to use him as soon as any of the two defenders are injured," Allardyce said.


"I don't think there's any chance we'll get someone of his quality, but it would be nice if we could. I'll keep going and hope we get some [new players]."


Vermaelen has made 11 appearances for the Gunners this season.