Chance to replace Man United’s Vidic crops up for Arsenal man

Moving from Arsenal to Manchester United is not a career path that footballers follow all that often, but it seems one Gunner could be following in Robin van Persie’s footsteps this summer.

The Dutchman may be growing more disconcerted with life at Old Trafford with every passing whinge to the media, but the arrival of a former teammate could help lift the striker’s mood should he decide to stick around next season.

A deal for United skipper Nemanja Vidic to move to Inter Milan next term has been finalised and the list of potential replacements looks endless.

However, a new name has cropped up with the Gunners’ own club captain, Thomas Vermaelen, a reported target of David Moyes.

Being the armband wearer hasn’t counted in the Belgian’s favour too much this term though, as he’s been forced to watch from the bench as Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny formed a well-oiled partnership in the Gunners’ 25-1-rated title pursuit.

The former Ajax stopper enjoyed a rare start in the club’s 4-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup, but having made just 13 appearances for the club all season, will surely be keen to switch allegiances in the pursuit of more playing time.

It’s likely United won’t be participating in the Champions League next season though, with their odds to finish in the top four at 10/1 following their 3-0 win over West Brom.

But at 28 years old, Vermaelen is still young enough to join the rebuilding project Moyes will likely start this summer and enjoy a return to Europe’s top table in the following seasons.

Being such rivals, the Emirates club aren’t going to let a high-earning squad member flee to Manchester without receiving significant remuneration and it’s thought a bid of at least £12m will be needed in order to seal a deal.

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