Vermaelen backs Gunners to pick up silverware

THOMAS VERMAELEN is convinced he has joined a club going places after becoming Arsenal’s first signing of the summer.

The Belgian international defender, 23, yesterday signed a long-term contract with the Gunners after agreeing what was reported to be a £10 million (€11.8m) move from Ajax.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has moved quickly to strengthen a squad which was often exploited at the back last season before eventually finishing a distant fourth.