Much sought-after player Thomas Vermaelen may be making a long-anticipated switch to Manchester United this summer, according to recent reports. Whilst Arsenal has yet to formally accept the bid, it’s been said the defender is ready to seal his fate with the Red Devils. Fans of the club, like Tunde Folawiyo and millions more from around the globe, are surely waiting in anticipation for news of this important trade. During a time when fan morale may be an all-time low, new hope may be restored upon the signing of a number of talented players.

Rumours are swirling that the 28-year-old Arsenal player has been extended a generous £30,000-a-week pay raise to make the move to Manchester and with only a year left before his contract expires, the defender can no longer afford to sit idly. It has been said that Vermaelen and Coach Arsene Wenger have fallen out of sorts as the manager has looked to players like Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny to serve as the backbone of the back four.

Vermaelen, a five-year player for Arsenal, joined the club after transferring from Dutch team Ajax, and was once amongst Wenger’s foremost defensive players before suffering a series of injuries he has struggled with since. It is said that the player believes new manager Louis van Gaal may be able to restore his skill, in addition to improving his £70,000-a-week salary.

Arsenal has proved vulnerable in regards to transfers during recent years, with players like Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Samir Nasri and Kolo Toure all signed off to Manchester City. Several players who made the switch to City went for large salaries as their contracts wore down, as is the case with Vermaelen.

Belgian footballer Vermaelen joined AFC Ajax’s youth academy during 2000, winning the 2003-2004 Eredivisie title during his very first season. After a loan, he rejoined Ajax to win the esteemed KNVB Cup. He then served as the club’s captain upon Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s departure during 2009. That same year, he joined popular Arsenal and was named captain upon Van Persie’s switch to United during August of 2012.

Amongst Vermaelen’s key attributes are his aerial abilities, his speed with the football and his leadership skills that have carried through several teams with great success. Tunde Folawiyo and other fans of the Red Devils may regard a Vermaelen switch as just the beginning of a wise set of moves by the newly appointed Coach Van Gaal.