Vermaelen admits he may consider leaving Arsenal

Belgium defender unhappy to be down the pecking order at London club.


Reuters October 15, 2013
Vermaelen is no more the preferred option in central defence at Arsenal with Mertesacker and Koscielny shining as a partnership. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON: Central defender Thomas Vermaelen is mulling the prospect of leaving Arsenal in January to boost his chances of playing for Belgium in the World Cup finals.

Vermaelen has struggled to regain his place in the Arsenal side after returning from a back problem and appears to have slipped down the pecking order for his country, who have qualified for their first World Cup since 2002.

He was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s last three matches and also failed to start in Belgium’s decisive win over Croatia on Friday even with Vincent Kompany out injured.

“Yes, I have to think about that when it’s necessary,” Vermaelen said about his future at the north London club.

“Of course, never playing will not be the ideal situation for me to go to the World Cup, that’s for sure.”

Vermaelen was club captain last year and has made nearly 100 appearances for the club but manager Arsene Wenger has stuck with the combination of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny since Vermaelen returned to fitness.

“People ask me if I am concerned, but I don’t panic,” said Vermaelen, who has spoken to Wenger about his situation.

“It’s just a matter of injuries or suspensions to play again. Those things can happen in a split second and change my situation.

“In that case, we will speak differently in January. I have to be ready for that. This situation is brand new for me.”

Real Madrid could bid for Falcao next year: Perez

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has hinted the world’s richest club by income could buy Monaco’s striker Radamel Falcao next year.

Speaking on Spanish soccer chat show Punto Pelota, Perez ruled out a bid for Falcao in the next transfer window in January, but suggested Real could table one in the close season.

Falcao, 27, left Real’s city rivals Atletico to join Monaco at the end of last season for a fee media reported was around €60 million.

“He [Falcao] won’t come in January but in June, who knows?” said Perez. “Nothing is impossible and there is a lot of time between now and then.

“Falcao is a great player and I am aware that he wants to play for Real Madrid. I am aware of that, but it’s normal. They told me.”

One reason Real may be in the market for another striker is the patchy form of their French international Karim Benzema.

A favourite of Perez, Benzema has failed to win over Real’s demanding fans since his arrival in 2009 and is regularly whistled by some sections of the Bernabeu crowd.

Perez sought to defend the 25-year-old, who has been criticised by Real coach Carlo Ancelotti for not working hard enough on the pitch.

“I have faith in all the players in our squad,” said Perez. “Karim is a great player and we get offers for him all the time, every summer.

“All I can say is that the coach is the one who has the authority to do what he believes is right.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2013.

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