Arsenal transfers: Thomas Vermaelen’s agent confirms Napoli interest

Napoli are leading the chase to sign Thomas Vermaelen, the Arsenal defender’s agent has confirmed.

The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Gunners this summer after falling behind Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker in the pecking order.

And Vermaelen’s agent Alex Kroes confirmed that the Serie A outfit have contacted the Gunners defender about a potential move at the end of the season.

“Yes Napoli have been on the player and have stepped forward, but other clubs have also shown their interest and not just Italian clubs,” Kroes told calciomercato.com.

However, Kroes insisted Vermaelen would not be tackling the issue of his future until after the World Cup.

“At the moment we are not thinking about it. There’s a World Cup to be played and we will postpone any discussions until afterwards,” Kroes added.

“You cannot say, though, that the player is close to a transfer to Napoli. I repeat: wait until after the World Cup, where Vermaelen is going to do his best, then we will consider any kind of offer regarding his future.”