TORINO AND BESKITAS IN RAT RACE FOR VERMAELEN

Belgium international centre-back, Thomas Vermaelen seems to be out of favour at the Camp Nou after the expiration of his loan out to AS Roma.

His period at AS Roma saw him hit with injury, thus appearing no more than 12 times on competitive levels for the club.

Vermaelen is a player that has always been prone to injury ever since his days at Ajax, and from there in 2009 to Arsenal.

Football Italia has it that the centre back is wanted by both Beskitas and Torino for the next season.

The 31-year old remains a quick defender and also with a keen eye for goals when he is fit. Serie A club, Torino believes the defender would be a wonderful addition to their club for the upcoming season.Torino is looking to take the player on loan next season but wants Barcelona to help them pay his salaries.

However, if Vermaelen is able to stay fit, he might still have a role with Ernesto Valverde’s side for the next season.

Barcelona’s squad seems to be lacking in quality at the centre back, with only two reputable players, Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti holding forte at the position.

Vermaelen’s spell at Roma should have seen him signed on permanent basis with the club as there was a clause in the loan agreement that allowed that.

However, a mixture of injuries, poor form and suspension saw that it did not go through, thus making Roma decline to sign him permanently at a fee of €10 million.

With his current form and the injuries besieging him, a move away from Barcelona, even if it’s on loan to another club would be the best option for the 31 year old who previously featured for Arsenal at centre-back position.