Verminator – Arsenal’s next captain (who won’t be sold ever!)

While the future of Arsenal skipper and super striker Robin van Persie remains unclear at best, his deputy Thomas Vermaelen has made his intentions crystal clear by declaring he wishes to stay on at the North London club “forever”.

In a declaration more apt for one’s wedding vows, 27-year old center back Vermaelen took advantage of some press time ahead of Belgium’s international friendly with England on Saturday to discuss his love for Arsenal and his desire to be at the club for eternity and ever more.

Vermaelen declared, “I will stay at Arsenal forever. There will be no transfer for me. I love London. I’ve got a house there, I’m happy there and I don’t see any reason to ever leave the club.”

Vermaelen’s unbridled declaration of love will come as welcome relief to the Gunners’ faithful, who quite clearly feel the same way about the free-scoring defender. While it is the defensive stability that Vermaelen brings which is crucial to Arsenal, his 6 goals this season were the best return for a defender in the Premier League.

Should Arsenal lose Van Persie this summer, a distinct possibility despite what his mother and wife might say, the mantle of leadership will be passed on to the Verminator, and it will be this spirit of his which can help the Gunners end their 7-year trophy drought.