Man Utd to make shock move for Arsenal defender?

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is believed to be interested in signing up out-of-favour Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners skipper failed to cement his place in the starting line-up last season, following the excellent defensive partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

According to The Express, the Red Devils boss will make a move for the talented Belgian international, as he aims to bolster the central defensive setup, following the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

However, it is understood that the Gunners would only allow the transfer, should they find a genuine replacement for the Belgian centre-back.