Sign up to FREE email alerts from Mirror - Arsenal FC Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Frank de Boer wants to take Thomas Vermaelen to Crystal Palace.

The new Eagles’ boss is keen on the former Arsenal defender who is currently out-of-favour at Barcelona.

Belgian international Vermaelen, 31, spent last season on loan at Roma and de Boer wants him as his first big signing.

The ex-Gunners’ man still has two years left to run on his deal at the Nou Camp but the former Dutch legend is keen.

The player’s representatives have indicated that Vermaelen would be open to a return both to the Premier League and to London.

As well as Vermaelen, de Boer has also asked Barca about their plans for keeper Jasper Cillessen - who he managed while at Ajax – as his compatriot has struggled for action since moving to Catalonia last summer.

De Boer was also looking at returning to Ajax with an enquiry for defender Kenny Tete – but he looks set for a move to Lyon.