by ‘Ifreke Inyang

According to reports, Arsenal and Barcelona have agreed a deal worth £15m for Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgian defender, who has not featured in any of the Gunners’ pre-season games, lost his first-team spot to Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny 18 months ago.

Although Manchester United were very keen on signing Vermaelen, Arsene Wenger was not keen to sell to a direct rival in the Premier League.

Asked if United had made an offer, Wenger said: “I think they could be in a group.

“We have offers from abroad and ideally I would rather sell him to a club abroad. We’re in a position where it’s difficult to stand in his way.”

The 28-year-old will travel to Spain this weekend to undergo his medicals and agree personal terms with the Catalan club.