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Cape Town - Arsene Wenger is keen on letting Thomas Vermaelen cross the bridge to meet up with Arsenal's old foe Robin van Persie at Manchester United, reports the Daily Mirror.
Arsenal is willing to let the Belgian defender leave for 10 million in an exchange deal.
Vermaelen, who shares an agent with Van Persie, is believed to wanting to leave after losing his regular place to Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker after several injuries and has put Manchester United on high alert.
Louis Van Gaal needs a brick wall in his back four when he start his tenure at Old Trafford after Rio Ferdinand has been told by the club to find a new team to ply his trade and Nemenja Vidic leaving on a free transfer to Inter Milan.
The exchange deal would include the likes of Tom Cleverley, while the recent FA Cup winning manager also has his eyes on Chris Smalling.
It is understood Wenger has been a long admirer of Cleverley and is willing to bring the midfielder to the Emirates.
A week ago the Arsenal manager declined the chance to bring Cesc Fabregas back to the club after Barcelona announced that the midfielder will leave. It has seen Fabregas join Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea as the Portugese tries to strengthen his squad after a dry season with no silverware.
