Arsene Wenger has admitted that Thomas Vermaelen is likely to leave Arsenal this summer, with Manchester United among those to have bid for the defender's services.
The 28-year-old centre-back, who made the move from Ajax to North London in 2009, has been extensively linked with both United and Barcelona this summer.
Wenger today confirmed that it is "difficult" to keep hold of Vermaelen, but says that he would prefer to sell him to a foreign club.
"Manchester United are part of the group [of bidders]. He could leave," the Gunners manager told reporters. "We have offers from abroad and ideally I would rather sell him to a club abroad. We're in a position where it's difficult to stand in his way."
Vermaelen has made over 100 appearances for Arsenal.
