Zimpapers Logo

LONDON. —  Manchester United have dropped their interest in Arsenal Thomas Vermaelen after refusing to consider the Gunners’ request for a swap deal involving Chris Smalling, according to reports. Arsenal have now agreed a fee of about £15m with Barcelona for the sale of captain Vermaelen.

The 28-year-old Belgium centre-back must now agree personal terms with the Catalan giants and pass a medical.

Vermaelen was a target for Manchester United but they ended their interest after refusing Arsenal’s demand to receive a player as part of the deal.

The move to Barcelona is likely to be completed this weekend, ending Vermaelen’s five-year stay in London.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted on Thursday that Vermaelen was on the cusp of departing the Emirates Stadium after dropping down the pecking order.

And after Arsenal rejected a £15million bid from Manchester United for the player, reports say an agreement has now been reached with Barca.

Spanish journalist Txiki Forero wrote on Twitter that the transfer is close to being done for £10.3million (€13million). –  Metro.