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West Brom want to sign Barcelona and former Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen

By Aidan Magee

Sunday 30 July 2017 14:43, UK

Thomas Vermaelen has been dogged by injury since he joined Barcelona in 2014
Image: Thomas Vermaelen has been dogged by injury since he joined Barcelona in 2014

West Brom are keen on signing Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen, Sky sources understand.

The Belgium international left Arsenal for the Nou Camp in 2014 but has endured three years of injury problems.

Vermaelen still has two years left on his Barcelona contract but was allowed to join Roma on loan last season, where his injury problems continued.

Vermaelen lifted the FA Cup as Arsenal captain in 2014
Image: Vermaelen lifted the FA Cup as Arsenal captain in 2014

The 31-year has also reportedly attracted interest from Crystal Palace as Premier League clubs assess whether he would be a viable signing.

Despite his fitness concerns, he is a vastly experienced centre-half with over 200 top-flight league appearances to his name.

At Arsenal, having signed for £10m from Ajax in 2009, he played in 110 Premier League games and scored 13 goals, as well as accruing 29 appearances and a goal in the Champions League.

Vermaelen joined the Gunners from Ajax for £10m in 2009
Image: Vermaelen joined the Gunners from Ajax for £10m in 2009

Vermaelen has 52 caps for Belgium having made his international debut in 2006 while at Ajax, where the began his senior career.

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Since leaving the Emirates for Barca three years ago, the defender has made only seven La Liga starts.

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