Arsenal FC transfer update: Roma to rival Gunners in race for former centre-back Thomas Vermaelen

Roma have joined Arsenal in the race for Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgian is reportedly ready to leave the Nou Camp this summer having made just 11 league appearances over the past two seasons.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for their former captain, who they sold to Barcelona for £15million in August 2014.

However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Gunners now face competition from Roma.

The Italian club are on the hunt for a new centre-back after Antonio Rudiger suffered a serious knee injury while training with Germany at Euro 2016.

Roma have already signed Federico Fazio on loan from Tottenham, but they are in the market for one more defender and believe Vermaelen can be snapped up on the cheap.