The Belgian becomes the latest new addition at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona have completed the £15m signing of Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen to act as a replacement for their recently retired skipper Carles Puyol.
The future of Vermaelen at the Emirates Stadium has been in doubt for some time, with manager Arsene Wenger admitting on more than one occasion that the 28-year-old could leave.
Despite Manchester United having also shown interest in the Belgium international, it is Barca who have landed the defender – much to the relief of Wenger.
The Frenchman made it clear that he did not want to sell Vermaelen to a direct Premier League rival and an agreement with the Red Devils fell through when they turned down a proposed swap deal involving Chris Smalling.
It’s also believed that United were only prepared to offer the Belgian a three-year deal at Old Trafford, whereas Barca have awarded a five-year contract to the centre-back.
Vermaelen becomes the Spanish giants’ sixth new signing of the summer along with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ivan Rakitic, Claudio Bravo, Luis Suarez and Jeremy Mathieu.
The former Gunner will be competing with Mathieu, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra and Javier Mascherano for a place in central defence for the 2014/15 season.
READ MORE: Arsenal transfer news.
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