Wenger hints at Vermaelen exit

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that Thomas Vermaelen might well be sold by the club during the current transfer window, but sees the defender as a key member of the squad. The Belgium international has struggled to hold down a regular spot for the last two seasons due to a combination of injuries and poor form. As such, the 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United to replace Nemanja Vidic, who joined Inter Milan following the end of his contract. There had even been reports that Vermaelen had already agreed a deal with the Red Devils prior to the World Cup, although such claims have been refuted. However, it now seems that such a move could well happen, with Wenger hinting that the defender is on his way out of the Emirates. "At the moment Thomas Vermaelen is here," the 64-year-old told the assembled press ahead of his side's Emirates Cup opener against Benfica. "He is injured at the moment with a short-term injury. It (a move) could happen, yes it's a possibility that he goes. If he goes we have to replace him because he's an important player in our squad. "I expect him to stay but he, of course, did not play enough games last year. For me he's a very important player but I couldn't guarantee him the games he wanted last year." Reports surfaced that the Gunners were on the verge of completing the signing of Porto attacker Juan Quintero, but Wenger ruled out a move for the Colombian. "That [move for Quintero] is wrong," he added. "I think August 15 to 30 will be busy again. I'm very happy [with our business] and I'm still open to doing more."