With the Marquinhos deal reaching a dead-end, Barcelona seem set on signing Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgian has been linked to the Spanish side even since last year when he allegedly refused a transfer in order to fight for a spot in Wenger’s first team. Unfortunately for the Belgian international, Mertesacker and Koscielny have been on top of their game and made it close to impossible for their captain to perform on a regular basis. According to Metro, Vermaelen is no longer keen on facing that same situation for one more year and will leave before the end of the transfer period.

If Vermaelen decides to leave for Barcelona, he might have a better chance to play on a regular basis. The Catalans have had big problems when it comes to the defensive line and now seem desperate to find some solutions. The Belgian international seems like an excellent solution especially considering the fact that his contract has reached its final year.

Arsenal will have to sell Vermaelen if the right offer comes their way. In order to avoid a similar situation to that of Sagna, it is very likely that Wenger will settle even for less than £10 million which is better than nothing. It seems that there is no turning back for the Belgian international who has already passed on his shirt number. With the relationship between him and the club not being the best, things are pretty much set. All there is to see is where Vermaelen will choose to play next, will be Barcelona, Liverpool or Manchester United.