Arsenal are moving forward in their effort to find a replacement for the soon to be departing Thomas Vermaelen. While they have previously been linked with a move for Matija Nastasić, The Daily Star is now reporting that the North London club are pressing ahead to conclude the deal as quickly as possible.
The Gunners are keen to wrap up a deal for Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic.
The defender has had a difficult time at Manchester City since joining from Fiorentina in 2012. While his first season with The Premier League champions was moderately successful, he saw less game time last year and suffered a knee injury that kept him from playing regularly.
These facts may not concern Arsenal too much though, as Nastasić is likely to provide backup to the current established partnership at The Emirates. At just 21 he’s a prodigious talent who has already turned out 13 times for Serbia.
The Serbian defender may even be available in a cut-price deal as City look to offload players they do not need as they look strengthen their squad.
With each day it seems more likely that Thomas Vermaelen will leave The Gunners this summer transfer window. Although the club captain is an important member of the squad, his appearances have been limited with Arsene Wenger prefers other options ahead of him at centre back.
Wenger has confirmed that the club are likely to lose the defender who has spent almost six years at the club. Speaking on the club’s official Twitter account ahead of the FA Community Shield the manager said:
“Vermaelen could leave us because he needs to play now. We’re in a position where it’s difficult to stand in his way”
Manchester United are currently leading the way to sign the Belgian centre back. However, Barcelona have also shown interest and Arsenal would prefer to sell to a club outside of England. They may not have much choice though as Manchester United are believed to have submitted a higher bid of £12 million.
Arsenal fans: is this the perfect solution at centre-back?
mohammed abdulganiyu
Aug 11, 2014 at 5:19 am
Please wenger don’t mise used Alexis