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Arsene Wenger has rejected Manchester United’s bid for Thomas Vermaelen.

United’s new boss Louis van Gaal could come back for the Arsenal club captain, who has one year left on his contract.

Boss Wenger could offer the 28-year-old Belgium defender a new deal as he does not want him to leave.

It is also understood that United are nowhere near Arsenal’s valuation and Wenger may also ask for players to be included in any potential deal.

Wenger would also be reluctant to sell to a direct rival having been so heavily criticised for accepting United’s offer for Robin van Persie two years ago.

Napoli have been interested in Vermaelen in the past but United have already sounded out his representatives about a move to Old Trafford.

Wenger has praised Vermaelen’s attitude after he accepted being back-up to Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker but they still face a battle to keep him this summer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could get a staggering £12MILLION for Mexican forward Carlos Vela.

They have agreed an £8m deal with Real Sociedad but that could rise significantly based on appearances, goals and bonuses.