Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal’s skipper and third-choice centre-back seems to be in a kind of footballing purgatory at the moment.
There’s no doubt that he’s a good footballer (who’s full of passion and never gives less than 100%), but his form and fitness levels at the moment mean he’s not in the running for a first-team position at Arsenal.
The form of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker make it unlikely that Vermaelen’s situation will change next season. There’s a good chance that he’ll spend another 12 months warming the bench at The Emirates.
A move away from Arsenal would seem to make sense, but it’s worth noting that he’s their only back-up centre-back option at the moment. It would be foolish for Arsene Wenger to let him go. As a result, Thomas Vermaelen seems to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Footballing purgatory.
The only justification for Arsene Wenger selling Thomas Vermaelen, would be if he were to bring somebody else in. Particularly if that somebody had the potential to make his mark at The Emirates in the long term.
This brings me to The Mirror‘s claim that Arsenal are ‘keen’ on Manchester City’s gifted but inconsistent young centre-back, Matija Nastasic. Any potential deal would be reliant on the future of Thomas Vermaelen.
Inter Milan and Roma are also interested in Matija Nastastic, but The Mirror notes that The Gunners may be able to guarantee ‘swifter payment’. It looks like Arsenal are in pole position here.
Nastasic made 20 appearances for City last season, but could find his route to the first team next year blocked by new signings. He could view a move to Arsenal as an escape route and an opportunity for (semi-) regular action.
At just 21-years-old, there’s no telling how good he can get. If he develops some consistency, he could prove to be a very astute signing indeed for The Gunners.
But will Manchester City sell to a rival?
What’s your take? What does the future hold for Thomas Vermaelen? Would Matija Nastasic be a good replacement?
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