Report: Barcelona make Thomas Vermaelen bid

Barcelona have reportedly made a bid for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgian international has been linked with an exit from the FA Cup holders this summer after losing his place in the team.

Manchester United are also believed to be interested in signing the defender, but it is Barcelona who have made the first move by offering £10m for his services, according to Sky Sports News.

Vermaelen made just seven starts for the Gunners last season, with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny the preferred centre-back options for manager Arsene Wenger.

Wenger admitted last week that Vermaelen could leave the club this summer due to his lack of playing time.