Vermaelen completes Arsenal move

Arsenal have completed the signing of Belgium international defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax. The player becomes Arsene Wenger's first signing of the summer, in a deal believed to be worth in excess of £10 million.

Vermaelen, 23, is comfortable playing at either left-back or centre back. The signing from Ajax puts question marks over the future of Kolo Toure, who is believed to be in talks with Man City regarding a move.

Vermaelen has signed a long-term contract with the Gunners. The Belgium international spent the last few seasons with the Dutch club and has shown he is a very versatile, goalscoring centre back, with a useful left foot and with all the attributes Arsenal have been looking for in a centre back.