Vermaelen has refused to sign a new deal at
Arsenal and has told the club he will not agree
fresh terms.
The 28-year-old will leave the Gunners on a free
transfer next summer, when his current contract
with the north London club expires, if they force
him to stay for the 2014-15 campaign.
Arsenal would be loath to lose the Belgium
international for nothing and so are ready to sell
but understandably would rather the player
moved to Catalunya rather than follow former
team-mate Robin van Persie to Old Trafford.
Barcelona have rekindled their interest in
Vermaelen but United boss Van Gaal has made it
clear to club officials since day one that he
wants Arsenal's club captain to bolster his
defence.
Vermaelen now has a straight decision between
two of the biggest clubs in the world and it is
expected that he will make his choice and inform
his potential new employers later this week.
United remain confident they will land
Vermaelen but Barcelona, who themselves will be
determined to improve in 2014-15 after a
trophyless season last time out, believe they can
persuade the former Ajax man to switch to La
Liga.
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