Manchester United ready to offer £15m for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen

Manchester United ready to offer £15m for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen

Manchester United are prepared for £15million to beat Barcelona to the signature of Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.

Manager Louis van Gaal is anxious for more signings following the club’s return from their pre-season tour in America and wants to close deals for Vermaelen before his Premier League bow against Swansea City on August 16.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward accepts he will have to pay a premium price for Vermaelen however because Arsenal would prefer to see him go to La Liga than play for one of their Premier League rivals.