Could Vermaelen be set for Arsenal return?

Arsenal could be about to launch a bid to re-sign Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen, according to reports in Spain.

Vermaelen joined FC Barcelona two seasons ago, but injury and competition for places has seen the Belgian afforded very little playing time at the Camp Nou.

And Sport now claims that Arsenal are about to swoop to bring the Belgian defender back to the Emirates, as manager Arsene Wenger looks to boost his defensive options ahead of a potential title challenge next season.

Vermaelen joined Barcelona two years ago, but injury meant that the former Ajax player was unable to make his debut for the Catalan giants until the final La Liga game of the season -- a 2-2 draw with Deportivo La Coruna at the Camp Nou.

Despite his lack of appearances, Vermaelen can still count himself as a two time La Liga winner, two time Copa del Rey winner, as well as winning the Champions League in 2015.

But these medals will only be a consolation to the disappointment the defender surely feels at the lack of football he has played over the last two years.

A return to Arsenal could provide Vermaelen with the opportunity to feature regularly in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Wenger is thought to be chasing a top-class striker for his side this summer, having already bolstered his midfield with the £30 million capture of Granit Xhaka, and having missed out on Leicester City's Jamie Vardy.

But the Frenchman is also thought to be keen on adding to his defensive options, and was linked with a move for Juventus' Daniele Rugani yesterday.