Wenger: United targeting Vermaelen

Arsene Wenger admits Manchester United are one of the clubs trying to sign Thomas Vermaelen but the Arsenal boss would prefer to see the defender move abroad.

Vermaelen struggled to establish himself in the Gunners first team last season and has attracted interest from a number of clubs this summer.

Wenger refused to discuss the size of the bids received but confirmed the club have received a number of offers for the Belgian.

“Have we received bids? Yes. I can’t tell you who from but you will know very soon,” Wenger said.

“Are Man United one of the teams to have made an offer? I think they could be in the group.”

Vermaelen made just 21 appearances in all competitions last season and only 14 in the Premier League.

After signing for Arsenal from Ajax in June 2009, Vermaelen became an integral part in the Gunners’ defence but form and fitness have since put his starting spot in jeopardy.

“He could leave, it could happen, I’ve said that since the start of pre-season,” Wenger said.

“He needs to play now. He has shown an outstanding attitude but he is in a position where we wouldn’t stand in his way if he finds an interesting opportunity.”

Wenger added: “Ideally, yes, we would like to sell him abroad and that is an option for us.

“I don’t want to say how many offers we have but we have offers from abroad as well.”

One player who could replace Vermaelen is Calum Chambers, who Arsenal signed for £16million from Southampton.

The 19-year-old played at right-back last year in his debut campaign in the Premier League but the youngster has been deployed in central defence during pre-season.

As well as Chambers, Arsenal have brought in Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez, French full-back Mathieu Debuchy and Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina.

“We have not lost players until now so we have a big squad at the moment,” said the manager.

Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski will all return to the club next Monday following their victory in the World Cup with Germany last month.

None of the trio, however, will be ready Arsenal’s Premier League opener at home to Crystal Palace.

“Having the experience of being in a team that has won a World Cup – it always makes it difficult mentally to be sharp and hungry straight away again,” Wenger said.

“You either bring them back quickly and then you lose them in October or you give them the needed rest and build them up again.”

Theo Walcott, who is recovering from a knee injury, is expected back between the end of August and the start of September.