The Catalans are ready to rival the English giants for Vermaelen.
The Sun reports that Barcelona are willing to offer 28-year old Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen a way out of England by making a move for him this summer.
The Belgian centre-back is on the market as he has not been a regular for the Gunners over the last 18 months, and Manchester United have been linked with a move for him.
United’s attempts to secure him for as little as £6 million were rebuffed by Arsenal, who value him at around £10 million.
Barcelona’s interest gives Arsenal the option of not selling their out of favour skipper to a rival, which could please their boss Arsene Wenger.
Wenger already sold his former captain Robin van Persie to United in 2012, and the Dutchman later inspired the Red Devils to their 20th league title win.
Hence, the French boss could now look to offload his wantaway skipper in Vermaelen to La Liga.
Although Vermaelen is believed to have set his sights on moving to Old Trafford, a move to Barcelona could be equally appealing to the former Ajax man in his bid to play more regular football.
COMMENTS