Arsene Wenger knows Thomas Vermaelen is leaving the Gunners

Arsene Wenger knows that Thomas Vermaelen's time in London is up. The Arsenal coach knows the Belgian will not be a Gunner next season.

As reported in the Daily Star on Sunday, Vermaelen has told the French coach he does not want to continue after losing his place in the side to Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. 

"For me, Thomas is an important plyer but I could not give the games he wanted last season, so we'll see what happens," admitted Wenger.

At 28 and after five seasons with Arsenal, the Belgian wants a cahnge of scenery and has two options - Manchester United and Barcelona.

The Red Devils are leading the race for his signature and Vermaelen likes the idea of staying in the Premier League, especially with a United side rejuvenated by Louis van Gaal. 

The Dutchman knows he needs to sign a defender, with Nemanja Vidic gone to Inter, Rio Ferdinand at QPR and Patrice Evra off to Juventus. 

The Belgian defender meets the requirements as he has Premier League experience, unlike Daley Blind and Mats Hummels.