Arsene Wenger: 'Vermaelen could leave us because he needs to play now'

With Thomas Vermaelen's future at Arsenal clouded by uncertainty, Arsene Wenger gave the strongest indication yet that the Belgian centre-back's days at the Emirates Stadium are done.

It was reported on Tuesday that Barcelona had made a £10-million bid for Vermaelen, but it's looking more and more like the defender could be heading to Manchester United.

When asked if the Red Devils are a potential suitor for the 27-year-old's services, Wenger responded: "I think they could be the group." Furthermore, Sky Sports is reporting that Man Utd are the "favourites" to land Vermaelen as the club are his "preferred destination" and will have no trouble matching or beating Barca's offer.

Vermaelen started only seven Premier League matches last season after Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny emerged as Wenger's first-choice centre-back duo.