Arsenal face fight to keep Vermaelen as Barcelona step up bid for defender

New Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has given his backing to pursuing a move for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.

Pep Guardiola’s replacement wants sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta to step up attempts to sign a central defender after missing out on top target Thiago Silva, who has signed a new deal at AC Milan.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2168575/Arsenal-defender-Thomas-Vermaelen-Barcelona-target.html#ixzz1zf5G5MOT