Sam Allardyce says a move for Thomas Vermaelen is unlikely to happen this January.
The 28-year-old defender has struggled to cement a regular role in Arsene Wenger’s side this season due to the impressive and colossal partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.
But with the World Cup only a few months away and the possibility of not starting for Belgium in Brazil, Vermaelen has, reportedly, considered his future at the Emirates.
Allardyce is desperate to add defensive reinforcements to his injury-hit side and did admit he was weighing up a move for Vermaelen. But he concedes Arsenal would be reluctant to let their captain leave as they are battling for honours on three fronts.
The West Ham boss said:
‘I think under the circumstances at Arsenal with the situation they’re in with the Champions League and cup matches, they’ve had to use him [Vermaelen] as soon as any of the two defenders are injured.
‘I don’t think there’s any chance we’ll get someone of his quality, but it would be nice if we could.’
I know Vermaelen wants to play more games, especially with the upcoming World Cup this summer, but he has to remain patient and wait for his chance I’m afraid. And I’m sure he himself knows that Wenger cannot dislodge the pairing of Kos and Per as they have fashioned a fantastic partnership this season.
I’m almost certain Vermaelen will get his chance to impress from now until the end of the season with the club still competing in the FA Cup, Champions League and 16 more Premier League games left to play.
Besides, Wenger wouldn’t be foolish enough to get rid of his captain with only three recognizable centre-backs to choose from in his current squad.
