Man Utd close in on Thomas Vermaelen deal

Belgium and Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen will complete a transfer to Manchester United next week. The defender has fallen out of favour at the Emirates, slipping behind Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker as first choice centre backs.

Arsene Wenger yesterday confirmed that Vermaelen is likely to leave the Emirates as he pursues a long term replacement for the Belgian. Vermaelen is reportedly on holiday now with Man Utd forward Robin van Persie.

The Gunners are set to accept a fee of around £14.2 million for the defender.

Newly appointed United manager Louis van Gaal is looking to sign a centre back to partner Phil Jones at the heart of a new look defence and is hopeful that Vermaelen is the right man to do the job.