Barcelona are eager to sign a new central defender this summer, and are weighing up moves for Thomas Vermaelen, Vincent Kompany and David Luiz according to Mirror Football.
The Catalan side are eager to bolster their rearguard after losing their domestic and European crowns in 2011-12, with a bid-name centre-back top of their wishlist.
The Spaniards are thought to want Athletic Bilbao’s Javi Martinez as their number one option, but have been scared off by the Basque side’s huge transfer valuation of the player.
As such the Camp Nou outfit are looking abroad to try and find a long-term replacement for Carles Puyol.
Out of the three Vermaelen would seem most likely, as Kompany is City’s skipper and has recently committed to the club, whilst Luiz is thought to cost in the same price bracket as Martinez.
The rumours will be a source for despair for Arsenal fans, who are already concerned over the long-term future of skipper Robin van Persie.
By Gareth McKnight
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