Manchester United close to capturing defensive duo

Manchester United, 9/4 to be top north west club this campaign, could be about to sign defensive duo Thomas Vermaelen and Daley Blind, according to reports.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger recently admitted that it is “a possibility that he [Vermaelen] goes” with the Red Devils and Barcelona believed to be locked in a fierce battle for the ball-playing centre back’s services. The Catalan giants are rumoured to have had a £10m bid rejected last week, with the Gunners expected to hold out for a fee closer to £15m.

Speaking ahead of the Community Shield clash with Manchester City, Wenger revealed:”Are Man United one of the teams to have made an offer? I think they could be in the group…Vermaelen could leave us because he needs to play now. We’re in a position where it’s difficult to stand in his way if he finds an interesting opportunity.”

It appears Old Trafford is Vermaelen’s favoured destination, with new boss Louis van Gaal able to offer the experienced Belgian a chance of first-team football, and the opportunity to link up with ex-Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie.

If Vermaelen, 28, departs the north London club this summer, it will be the third time in four seasons Arsenal have sold their skipper. Previous captains Cesc Fabregas and Van Persie have also exited the Emirates to join European rivals Barcelona and United respectively.

The Gunners have also seen a host of top players such as Emmaneul Adebayor, Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna leave to join Manchester City in recent seasons, with the latter departing on a free transfer, meaning Wenger will be keen to secure the best deal for his club this time around.

Vermaelen is entering the final year of his contract, and after losing his place in the north London side due to injuries and the form of first-choice pair Per Metesacker and Laurent Koscielny, is seemingly keen to make the move to Manchester for a fresh start.

It is believed Arsenal would prefer to sell the Belgium international to a club abroad, with Barca fitting the bill perfectly, but after seemingly missing out on Mats Hummels, United may be prepared to part with more cash to lure Van Gaal’s top target.