Manchester United ready to offer £15m for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen

Manchester United are prepared to stump up £15million to beat Barcelona to the signature of Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen. Manager Louis van Gaal is anxious for more signings following the club’s return from their pre-season tour in America and wants to close deals for Vermaelen and Ajax wing-back Daley Blind before his Premier League bow against Swansea City on August 16. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward accepts he will have to pay a premium price for Vermaelen however because Arsenal would prefer to see him go to La Liga than play for one of their Premier League rivals. Barcelona have already made a £10million offer for the 28-year- old Belgian World Cup star but United have informed the London club they will top it. Vermaelen was officially Arsenal's club captain last season but played only seven Premier League games due to the form of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker. He and the versatile Blind can also provide cover for left-back Luke Shaw. Van Gaal wants transfer business both in and out the club to gather pace in the next fortnight.