Who is Arsenal target Thomas Vermaelen? Scouting report and video

Arsenal are on the brink of an £11million deal for Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen after Arsene Wenger made a four-year offer for him.

How well do we know the Belgian international defender? Well, Aston Villa were said to be interested in him back in March and ex- Manchester United star Jaap Stam says Vermaelen is set to become a top class Premier League performer.

"I liked the way he was defending as a youngster," said Stam. "I think he was only 19 when he had made his debut.

"But he was a quick learner and strong in tackles."

Here's all you need to know...

Mirror.co.uk Scouting Report
Thomas Vermaelen
Born: Nov 14, 1985 (Aged 23)
Height: 6'1"
Position: Defender

League Clubs
2003-present: Ajax - 83 appearances, 6 goals
2005-05: RKC Waalwijk (loan) - 13 appearances, 2 goals

International
2006-present: Belgium: 21 games, 0 goals

Video
Here he is in action for Ajax, scoring a rather excellent goal

And in action again in this compilation video

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