Arsenal have rejected an enquiry from Italian side Napoli over the availability of Thomas Vermaelen.

Vermaelen has been stuck on the bench for the majority of this season, having suffered a knee injury which has kept him out of action for a noticeable spell.

Another factor in the Belgian’s benching has been down to the form of defensive duo Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, which has intensified the rumours surrounding possible loan and permanent moves away from the Emirates.

BFG and Kosc

Mertesacker and Koscielny were preferred as the Gunners won a historic 2-0, and Vermaelen failed to appear until April of 2013. Another injury layoff made his career look doubtful.

The defensive partnership of Mertesacker and Koscielny continued to grow during his injury, leading to the duo’s record of not losing a game in which they have both played 90 minutes in for two years.

They’ve played 27 times together in full winning 19 and drawing 8 without a loss. With19 clean sheets and an average of 0.5 goals conceded per game, the two have been the unsung heroes of Arsenal’s success.

Benitez to the Rescue

Napoli boss Rafa Benitez recently offered the 28-year-old the chance to rejuvenate his career by enquiring officially to speak to Vermaelen.

Benitez has first-hand experience of the Belgian, facing him during his time at Liverpool and Chelsea and is thought to be an admirer of his cool and collected style of defending.

He has been looking for experienced defenders to partner his Summer acquisition from Real Madrid, Raul Albiol, and Vermaelen is supposedly the perfect fit for his 3-5-2 formation.

Vermaelen could be keen on the move due to his lack of playing time having a knock-on effect on his chances of making the Belgian World Cup squad, with the likes of Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld vying for a spot at either centre-half or left-back.

Yet Arsenal have this evening rejected the Serie ‘A’ side’s request to speak to Vermaelen, and so he looks set to remain second choice at the Emirates.

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