Thomas Vermaelen distances himself from Arsenal exit speculation

Reports suggested the defender was unhappy at the Emirates

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen (GETTY IMAGES)

Thomas Vermaelen has distanced himself from reports suggesting he could leave Arsenal during the summer.

The Gunners captain started the season as Arsene Wenger's first-choice centre-back but ended it watching the late climb to Champions League qualification from the bench.

Vermaelen's time at the Emirates Stadium has been disrupted by injury, but the 27-year-old Belgian denies he could be on the move in the transfer window.

"I'm happy at Arsenal. I didn't play much and that was frustrating, but things can turn around quickly," he told Ad.nl.

"I was on the bench, but I could just as quickly be playing again. I'm working hard to make that happen.

"These are things that happen in professional football. Arsenal are a great club where there is a lot of competition."

PA