Arsenal set to agree terms with Swansea defender Williams as Vermaelen plans Emirates exit



Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of agreeing terms for the transfer of Swansea centre back Ashley Williams in a move which could hasten the departure of Thomas Vermaelen from the Emirates.

Manager Arsene Wenger has a concrete interest in Williams, who would jump at the chance to join the Gunners this summer.

Arsenal made an initial enquiry for the Wales centre half in January and expected to renew their interest in the coming weeks but on Friday Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins denied there had been any contact between the clubs yet.

Incoming? Arsene Wenger is interested in bringing Swansea defender Ashley Williams to the Emirates

Belgium defender Vermaelen fears his World Cup dream will be left in tatters if he stays at Arsenal next season.

The Arsenal skipper spent the final two months of the season sat on the bench as Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker firmly established themselves as Wenger's preferred central defensive partnership.

Vermaelen is settled at Arsenal and ideally wants to stay and fight for his place next season.

But the 27-year-old is concerned he could be forced out of the club if Wenger signs a new central-defender during the summer transfer window.



Out of favour: Thomas Vermaelen may have to leave Arsenal in order to find first-team football

Vermaelen knows the introduction of a new centre half could leave him as the club's fourth choice.

He knows he has to be playing regularly to have the best possible chance of featuring for his country in Brazil next year.

The Belgians are top of their qualifying group and are on course to qualify for the 2014 finals.

But with the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Daniel van Buyten all capable of playing alongside Vincent Kompany in the heart of Belgium's defence, the Arsenal defender will consider his future if he remains to be left out in the cold.

Arsenal chiefs will consider offloading Vermaelen this summer if the right offer comes along, though his departure would still come as a surprise.

