Arsenal defender told he can leave the club for just £5m

Arsenal fans have made it known that the partnership between giant German Per Mertesacker and Frenchman Laurent Koscielny is the one they want as the heart of their defence. That means there is no room for their captain Thomas Varmaelen, apart from on the bench, and the Sun are reporting that Arsene Wenger is willing to let him go for £5m.

The 27-year-old  has previously been touted as one of the best centre-backs in European football but has struggled to hold down a first place team at the Emirates this season.

The major blow between the legs for the Belgian is that fact that Wenger is looking to replace him with someone a year older than him with less Premier League experience. Who else is having a wager on Vermaelen throwing a strop in north London right now?

The Gunners are on the verge of a clear out of the deadwood in the squad in order to spend big and create a group of players capable of challenging the Manchester clubs for the Premier League. Along with Vermaelen, Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh, Park Chu-Young and that man Gooners love to hate; Andre Santos.

What do you reckon Arsenal fans? Is this the season you end your search for silverware or is it another false hope?