Wenger admits Man United target Vermaelen may leave Arsenal this summer

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has not ruled out the possibility of selling club captain Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgium international is being linked with a move away as he is no longer seen as an immediate first-choice at the Emirates.

Manchester United are reported to be interested in signing the versatile centre-back, who can play at left-back when required.

"At the moment he is here. He has a short-term injury," said Wenger.  "But, yes, it's a possibility that he goes.

"If he goes, we have to replace him. I expect him to stay but he he did not play enough games last year."

The 28-year old had an injury-plagued season at Arsenal last year, only appearing 14 times in the Premier League.

He joined Arsenal in 2009 from Ajax and made the 2009/2010 PFA team of the year, but he has fallen down the pecking order in recent years, acting as cover for Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.