© Getty Images Enlarge Thomas Vermaelen has been linked with a move to Manchester United

Arsene Wenger has suggested reported Manchester United target Thomas Vermaelen could leave Arsenal this summer.

Vermaelen has attracted interest from both United and Barcelona this summer and his manager has displayed uncertainty over whether the defender will remain at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new season. Wenger reiterated his views on Friday.

"Vermaelen is injured. It is a possibility that he goes," Wenger said. "If he does [go], we have to replace because he is an important player in our squad."

United manager Louis van Gaal has underlined his club's need to sign defenders this summer after the departures of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.

The Dutchman will be allowed to break transfer records when bringing in new signings at Old Trafford, according to the club's executive vice chairman Ed Woodward.

However, United are not the only club expected to continue spending on new recruits. Wenger, having brought in Alexis Sanchez, Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina so far this summer, insists he is not finished in the transfer market.

Wenger added: "I am very happy because I did what I wanted and I am still hoping to do more. It is August 1 and the transfer window closes on the 31st. It is a long time. We are a bit ahead of what we usually do because the availability on the market was bigger than before."

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