The Gunners are unwilling to sell Vermaelen to the Red Devils.
The future of Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen remains uncertain as an opening bid from Manchester United for the defender is rejected, according to the Daily Star.
Having played second fiddle to Arsene Wenger’s preferred central defensive partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker last season, it was understood that the 28-year-old was looking to leave the Emirates Stadium.
United meanwhile are looking for support at the back due to the imminent departure of stalwarts Rio Ferdinand and their own skipper Nemanja Vidic.
New manager Louis van Gaal is keen to secure recruitment quickly and the Red Devils viewed Vermaelen as a more cost effective option than other centre-backs they have been linked with.
However, their initial offer for the Belgium international is understood to be some way off what the Gunners value him at and an improved bid – preferably including a player as well – will be needed.
Vermaelen was signed by Wenger back in 2009 from Eredivisie champions Ajax and made an immediate impact on the Premier League with his performances.
Yet as Koscielny and Mertesacker grew in stature the Belgian became increasingly sidelined and was seen as something of a liability last term.
Not that it stopped national team boss Marc Wilmots including Vermaelen in his 23-man squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where the defender has been showing his versatility by starring at left-back.
That ability to play on the left as well makes him an even more appealing option for van Gaal, as Alexander Buttner has recently left Old Trafford for Dinamo Moscow, whilst at 33-years-old Patrice Evra is approaching the end of his United career.
READ MORE: Arsenal transfer gossip.
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