Arsenal ace: I do not want to leave club

There’s been some refreshing news over the last day or so that our Captain Thomas Vermaelen is not eying a move out of the club and is willing to fight for the cause albeit his chances seemingly coming from the bench with the formidable Mertesacker and Koscielny ahead in the pecking order.

“I’m still confident I can play for this club. I keep reading stories that I want to leave. But that’s not the case. I’m still focused on the team. I am always positive. In any case it is not about my situation. It’s what the team do and I am really happy that we’re top of the league.”

Having a player of Thomas’ quality in the squad is important, he is the skipper after all, and a versatile player at that. I have questioned a few times recently as to why Wenger hasn’t utilised the Belgian’s versatility by deploying him as a defensive mid during Flamini’s absence. It seemed a logical fit to me.

With the World Cup looming it would be understandable if Vermaelen was getting itchy feet and considering his options. Belgium have a great crop of players and it’s not guaranteed that he’s on the plane to Brazil so it may have crossed his mind to explore other avenues to get regular playing time.

I do think though that Thomas can see that Arsenal are on the cusp of winning something or at least being in contention to do so and as Captain he wants to be part of that.

Big Per and Kozza have formed one of the best centre half parings in the country but should one of them pick up an injury or suspension then I’ve no doubt that Thomas will slot in and do a good job, much like he did at Old Trafford on Sunday. He was our best player that day in my view.

The club are under no pressure to sell as the player still has a good while to run on his contract. So here’s hoping that the January window passes by with Vermaelen still at the club because I think he will be vital for us if called upon during the run in.