Rumour: Chelsea eyeing shock move for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has fallen out of favour at the Emirates

Chelsea are planning a shock move for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen in the summer, according to the Daily Express.

Vermaelen’s future has been uncertain for a year now as his manager, Arsene Wenger, has kept him on the sidelines, giving him a bit-part role in the side, despite being the captain of the club.

The Belgian has been kept out of the side due to the growing partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker in central defence. The two players have been at the heart of the Gunners’ defence for the last 12 months and were a main reason why the Gunners topped the table in the first half of the season.

Their form has tailed off in recent weeks but Vermaelen does not look like he has a future at the club considering the lack of chances he’s had. West Ham United and Napoli were interested in signing him in January but Arsenal refused to let him go.

It does now seem that Vermaelen may leave Arsenal in the summer, though, with Chelsea a surprise interested party.

With his contract expiring next summer, the club may cash in on the defender while they can instead of letting him leave on a free contract in 2015.