Thomas Vermaelen agrees Barcelona move

Thomas Vermaelen has completed a transfer move to join Barcelona. The Belgian centre back had been told he is free to leave the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal have accepted a 17.25 million euro bid for the defender.

Arsene Wenger dropped his biggest hint yet last Thursday that the defender could be about to leave Arsenal and even suggested that Manchester United were amongst the clubs who had made an enquiry. The 28-year-old Gunners captain has struggled for regular first team football in recent years and is now looking to quit for pastures new.

Wenger said on Thursday: "Have we received bids? Yes. I can’t tell you who from but you will know very soon."

Barcelona are looking for a replacement for long serving former captain Carles Puyol, who retired from football at the end of last season.