Agent of Arsenal defender admits to talks with Serie A giants, but says his client’s future will only be decided after the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The agent of Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen says he has held talks with Napoli over a transfer to the Serie A giants, but his future will not be decided until after the World Cup.
Upon being asked by Italian website CalcioMercato whether reports of Napoli’s interest were accurate, Alex Kroes was coy in his response.
“Yes, Napoli was interested in the player and has stepped forward, but as the Neapolitan club have shown their interest, so have other teams, not just Italians.
“However, it cannot be said that the player is close to transferring to Naples. Again: nothing will be decided until after the World Cup, where Vermaelen is going to do his best, then we will face any kind of discourse for the future.”
The Belgium international has been unable to break up the partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at the back for the Gunners this season, but has nevertheless been a valuable backup player when called upon.
Vermaelen has had to play at centre back and left back when Arsenal’s players have been suspended this term, and if Arsene Wenger does allow his skipper to move on, he will certainly have to replace him.
The north London side have been linked with a whole host of centre halves and left backs – especially with Nacho Monreal in underwhelming form and Kieran Gibbs still prone to injury – and a defender could be high on the Gunners’ transfer list at the end of the season.
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