Arsenal hints that Manchester United is interested in Thomas Vermaelen

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger hinted that Manchester United are one of several clubs pursuing the signature of Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 14: Thomas Vermaelen of Belgium looks on prior to the international friendly match between Belgium and Colombia at King Badouin stadium on November 14, 2013 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger hinted that Premier League rivals Manchester United are one of several clubs pursuing the signature of Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen.

Vermaelen, 28, is Arsenal’s club captain, but he lost his place in the first XI last season and has been linked with clubs including United and Barcelona.

Wenger confirmed at a press conference that Arsenal had received bids for the left-footed centre-back and when asked which clubs had made them, he replied: “I can’t tell you that, but you will know very soon.”

Pressed as to whether United were one of the clubs to have expressed an interest, he said: “I think they could be in the group.”

While Wenger would not comment on press reports that Arsenal are asking for a fee of up to 15 million pounds ($27 million) for Vermaelen, he conceded that he was considering letting him leave.

“It could happen,” said the Frenchman, whose side face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

“I’ve said since the start of pre-season that it could happen that Thomas leaves us because he needs to play now.

“He had an outstanding attitude and behaviour, but he’s in a position where it’s difficult to stand in his way if he finds an interesting opportunity.”

Arsenal's Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen (L) heads the ball as Chelsea's Spanish striker Fernando Torres (R) watches.

Wenger was also evasive when invited to discuss reports that he has expressed an interest in signing Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger.

“I cannot give you any names specifically on who will join us at the moment,” he said.

“We are not close to signing anybody and it would be the wrong information.”

Wenger has brought four new players to the club during the close season in Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers and David Ospina.

He said that he was open to making further signings, but emphasised that he already has a large group of players.

Meanwhile, winger Theo Walcott could make his return from a serious knee injury by the end of the month.

Walcott, 25, has not played since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup third round in January.