The Arsenal Blog

Thomas Vermaelen has become one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers, and has formed a rock solid defensive partnership with Laurent Koscielny. He also comes up with some crucial goals, like the last minute winner against Newcastle in March.

Some bad news coming out of Spain is that Barcelona are about to abandon their attempts to pry Thiago Silva from AC Milan and might be planning a bid for Vermaelen, reports the Daily Mail. Milan are asking too much for their Brazilian defender, but Barcelona are desperate for defensive cover and are looking for a long term replacement for Carlos Puyol, who is getting towards the end of his career.  ...........Read more

Thomas Vermaelen was appointed vice-captain to Robin Van Persie when Fabregas left Arsenal last summer, and he obviously enjoys the responsibility. Of course there are many Gooners fully expecting him to be prmoted IF Van Persie leaves in the next couple of months and it sounds like his keen on the idea.

Vermaelen said: “When the boss made me vice-captain it made me proud,”

“I am really happy to be vice-captain of such a big club like Arsenal.

“I feel the responsibility to help the captain in his role as well, and of course that means the Club and the boss give you a lot of confidence.”  ...........Read more