Vermaelen set for Arsenal medical

The Belgian defender is set to join Arsenal in a £11million deal and has agreed a four-year contract.

Vermaelen said: “The signature is not there yet, but everything is in order.

“On Friday I will fly to London to undergo a medical. Then I hope to sign.

“I feel so proud. Arsenal is a fantastic club, and as a child I watched them play.

“Arsene Wenger stands for nice, attacking football and dares to work with young talents. That appeals to me enormously.

“Not that that tipped the scales though. When a club like Arsenal stands at your door, then you just go.

“On Friday, if I go to Emirates Stadium I will be seriously impressed.

“This will be a big change in my life, next year I will suddenly be facing the best strikers in the world.

“This does not scare me, I will give everything my body has.

“This is one of the best days of my life.”