Great pro: Thomas Vermaelen of Arsenal (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger has played down fears over losing Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen in the January transfer window.

The defender has found himself regularly sidelined this season due to the emerging partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, but Wenger insists the Belgian – while ‘suffering’ – is not angling to leave the Gunners.

‘It’s tough to leave Vermaelen out because of his quality, his attitude and his influence at the club,’ the Frenchman said.

‘It’s a difficult decision to make because he is a top-class player.


‘He certainly suffers but he handles it with great dignity and great professionalism.

‘I’m not concerned that he might move in January because if he wants to do that he will come and see me, which he has not done.’



Wenger has meanwhile denied reports linking him with moves for strikers Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Pato.

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