Barcelona defender wants transfer to Arsenal – report

Thomas Vermaelen is keen on a summer transfer back to Arsenal from Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish publication Sport is reporting that Vermaelen is open to a move back to the north London club after Barcelona signed 22-year-old French defender Lucas Digne this week.

Vermaelen left Arsenal to join Barcelona in the summer of 2014 but the Belgium international has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the Spanish club’s first team since his move.

The same report claims that West Ham United are also keen on a potential deal to bring former Arsenal captain Vermaelen back to the Premier League.

Arsenal have been linked with a host of players in the summer transfer window but have thus far only signed midfielder Granit Xhaka and striker Takuma Asano.

It remains to be seen whether Arsene Wenger will react to Arsenal’s second-placed finish in the Premier League last season by making a move to bring in a defender in the current transfer window.

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The Gunners finished second in the table last season, 10 points behind eventual champions Leicester City.