Manchester United move for Thomas Vermaelen: Arsenal defender set to complete £11m move after World Cup

The Belgium defender was frozen out of the first-team last season at the Emirates Stadium and could join up with Louis van Gaal after the tournament finishes in Brazil

Thomas Vermaelen is set to seal an £11m move to Manchester United after the World Cup, according to reports. (Getty Images)

Manchester United are set to complete the £11 million signing of Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen after the World Cup, according to reports.

Vermaelen has been a regular feature under Arsene Wenger since joining the Gunners from Ajax for £10 million in 2009, making over 150 appearances for the club.

However, injuries and a lack of form cost him his place in the team last season and struggled to dislodge the strong defensive partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, making only 21 appearances in all competitions.

And it appears that Louis van Gaal is ready to spend in order to bring the 28-year-old to Old Trafford, with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both leaving the club.

According to the Daily Mail, Vermaelen will be offered a contract worth £100,000 per week, significantly boosting his current salary at Arsenal.

Given that his contract has just a year left to run, Arsenal may be tempted to cash in on the Belgium international as they did with Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri in the past.

It is understood, however, that Manchester United have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Vermaelen so far but a deal is likely to happen after the World Cup finishes, with Belgium playing the USA on Tuesday.