Arsenal Defender Linked With West Ham Move – Here’s Why A Loan Would Make Sense

With West Ham sinking quicker than Sam Allardyce’s reputation, the papers have been plastered with stories about how they are going to start their climb away from the bottom. One of the ways – cited by the Metro – is to make a move for Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen. For me, the move makes sense for all parties and should certainly be on the mind of Allardyce even if they are just rumours.

The Belgium international is a remarkable player, but only when he is on form and has a bit of a streak of games behind him.

Despite not being the tallest of defenders, Vermaelen uses his experience and positional knowledge to better his opponents and the spring he carries in his boots is something that makes him very difficult to get the better of. He’s a strong player who loves to get in between his opponent and the ball but he’s nimble when not in possession.

It’s rare that a player can beat him when running at him, because his decision making is second to none and he positions himself in a way that makes it incredibly difficult to pass.

For me, getting in an experienced centre-half would be ideal for the Hammers, and with Vermaelen having played just seven bit-part games this season perhaps there may be a chance. Arsenal have Bacary Sagna who can fill in at centre-back and a spell of regular football could see him return with a fresh outlook.