Manchester City are lining up a move for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen, FootballDirectNews.com understands.
The Blues have made central defensive reinforcements their top priority for the summer transfer window in preparation for the possible exits of Joleon Lescott and Matija Nastasic, both of whom are out of favour at the Etihad Stadium.
Martin Demichelis is also in the twilight of his career and has endured a difficult first season in England. City want to bring in someone who will be captain Vincent Kompany’s regular partner at the heart of the backline and a source close to the club told FDN that boss Manuel Pellegrini is attracted by the fact that Varmaelen has played alongside him on number of occasions for Belgium.
He is also left-footed, something on which Pellegrini is keen as he feels it adds a good balance to the side, and would be available for a modest transfer fee. Vermaelen will have only 12 months left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium when the transfer window re-opens and has failed to regain his regular place in the side this term.
