Wenger: Vermaelen’s long-term future at Arsenal is secure
Manager Arsene Wenger dismisses claims that captain Thomas Vermaelen's long-term future at Arsenal is in doubt
Arsene Wenger has dismissed claims that Thomas Vermaelen’s long-term future at Arsenal is in doubt after the Gunners captain was dropped for recent games.
Defender Vermaelen lost his place in Wenger’s first-team following the 2-1 defeat by Tottenham back in March, with Arsenal having gone on to win their next four games in all competitions.
The Belgium international, who was named as Arsenal captain last summer after Robin van Persie’s exit, was a substitute in the Gunners’ 2-1 win at West Bromwich last weekend following Per Mertesacker’s red card.
But despite his absence from the starting line-up in recent games, Wenger is adamant that the 27-year-old’s future is at Emirates Stadium.
“Yes, of course [Vermaelen’s future is at Arsenal],” said Wenger.
“He has a long-term contract. He is our captain and periods where you don’t play can happen. That’s part of our job, to be in competition or not.”
Wenger also dismissed speculation linking Swasnea City defender Ashley Williams with a move to north London.
“There is no truth in anything at the moment because we are not at all in the transfer market. We are just focusing on our next game,” he added.
Arsenal face Norwich City at Emirates Stadium on Saturday as they look to leapfrog north London rivals Tottenham into fourth place.
