Wenger confident Vermaelen will remain a Gunner

Arsene Wenger is confident Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen will still be at the Emirates Stadium when the January transfer window closes.

Vermaelen has made just six appearances for the Premier League leaders this season, with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker the preferred centre-back partnership.

Wenger, who has denied reports linking him with moves for strikers Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Pato, is impressed by the way the Belgium defender has dealt with his lack of opportunities.