Branislav Ivanovic is reportedly a target for Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal want to make a shock move for Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic as they plan for life after Thomas Vermaelen.

Gunners captain Vermaelen, who is a target for Manchester United, wants to leave the club this summer in search of regular first-team football.

And reports in the Serbian media say Arsenal want 30-year-old Ivanovic to move across London to replace him at the Emirates.

Arsenal are becoming resigned to losing Thomas Vermaelen (Picture: Getty)

Arsene Wenger is said to be a huge fan of the imposing centre back, with the Frenchman also keen on his ability to play at right-back, where Arsenal are short of bodies after losing Bacary Sagna to Manchester City.




Ivanovic’s Chelsea future is cloudy with Gary Cahill and John Terry both seen as first choice, while exciting youngster Kurt Zouma is highly-rated by Jose Mourinho.

Arsenal believe they could tempt the Blues to part with the fan favourite for about £7million.

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