Arsenal set to sign £11million defender rated 'too small' for the Premier League

Arsene Wenger is on the brink of an £11m deal for Thomas Vermaelen - despite being warned that the Ajax defender is too small for the Premier League.

The Arsenal boss is offering a four-year deal to Vermaelen, 23, after negotiating with Ajax for the Belgian international, who can play at centre-half and left-back.

But former Arsenal captain Tony Adams fears that 5ft 11in Vermaelen may struggle with the physical demands of the Premier League.

Arsenal want to strengthen their defence after Wenger admitted that William Gallas and Kolo Toure lack physical presence. Adams said: "Thomas is a very good player but I don't think he's ready for the Arsenal. I don't think the punters at Arsenal would like another small one.

"I have been looking at the Dutch league, but it's been decimated. It's a poor league at the moment, there's one or two players but they're leaving too early as well."

Arsenal have been chasing Fulham's Brede Hangeland but Craven Cottage boss Roy Hodgson has offered the Norwegian defender a new improved deal to stay.

Hangeland was Arsenal's first choice but Vermaelen would still represent a major signing for the Gunners, who have promised Wenger significant cash to strengthen his squad this summer.

They want Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko as a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor. But Manchester City are also in the hunt.

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