Arsenal Transfer News: Thomas Vermaelen's Agent Denies Link to Italian Clubs

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has been sidelined for much of the season, but the club's captain recently made news when he hinted at leaving the team, according to the Press Association via The Guardian. On Thursday, Vermaelen's agent, Alex Kroes, attempted to squash the rumors via NapoliCalcioLive, according to Nick Lustig of the Daily-Star:

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We do not want to take part in this 'game.'

I want to distance myself from, and deny, these rumours.

I deny absolutely everything.

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The rumors started when Vermaelen spoke earlier this week about possibly being forced to leave Arsenal to ensure first-team football and solidify a spot on the Belgium national squad for next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Vermaelen is not the only player rumored to be looking to move to another team, but with his injuries this year, the 27-year-old defender will need to be on the field in order to ensure a spot for Belgium next summer.   

The Belgian spoke about just that earlier in the week, per The Guardian report:

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I'll have to think about that when it's necessary. January is still a few months ahead. Of course, never playing will not be the ideal situation for me to go to the World Cup, that's for sure.

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If a first-team opportunity doesn't present itself before January, the defender could be a valuable asset for another club. Despite all of the rumors, Vermaelen remains optimistic and his agent appears to be backing up his optimism. The defender had this to say about the rumors in the same Guardian report:

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I have spoken to the manager but it will remain private between us. Things can happen in a split second and change my situation. That can happen tomorrow or next weekend. In that case, we will speak differently in January. I have to be ready for that.

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Vermaelen doesn't sound like he's guaranteeing a return to Arsenal, but it sounds like he would prefer to stay with the club if he can get playing time.

The desperation to play for the Belgium club in next year's World Cup might be a huge factor for him, but his agent clearly believes there are other factors involved in his decision.