Arsenal do not wish to sell Thomas Vermaelen to Premier League rivals Manchester United. The London Evening Standard says Arsenal are reluctant to allow Vermaelen to move to Old Trafford and will only agree a deal with their Premier League rivals as a last resort.
The 28-year-old is keen to leave in search of regular first-team football after being restricted to just seven Premier League starts last season as Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny established themselves as manager Arsene Wenger's preferred centre-back pairing.
Club captain Vermaelen has one year left on his contract and although Wenger has indicated a willingness to negotiate an extension, the Belgium international has become disillusioned over his lack of opportunities to play.
Vermaelen is open to a move to United but Arsenal would prefer to sell abroad and avoid selling their captain to Old Trafford for the second time in three years.
