Barcelona are in for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen (Picture: Getty)

Barcelona are ready to hijack Manchester United’s deal for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen by beating their offer.

United have been in talks with Arsenal over a move for Vermaelen in the last few weeks, and have now put an £11million bid on the table.

But El Mundo Deportivo says Barca are planning to beat that bid and expect to be able to lure him to the Nou Camp.

Arsenal have already confirmed that they expect Vermaelen to leave this summer, but have so far held firm on selling on the cheap.


El Mundo says Vermaelen is the priority now for Barcelona (Picture: Twitter)

Barca are in desperate need of new defenders and having seen a deal for PSG sensation Marquinhos collapse, have made Vermaelen their top target.



Talks are expect to begin in the next few days and Arsenal could earn as much as £15million from the centre back.

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