West Ham United are likely to be on the lookout for new defenders this summer.
According to a report in Bleacher Report, Thomas Vermaelen is keen to return to the Premier League this summer.
Vermaelen is currently contracted to Barcelona, but he appears to have little chance of breaking in at the Nou Camp.
The Belgian has made just 21 appearances for Barca over the last three seasons, and has recently been sent out on loan to Roma.
Vermaelen is now keen to return to England, as he has enjoyed his most success in the Premier League.
The centre-back was an important member of Arsenal’s first-team squad between 2009 and 2014, and Watford are currently said to be the most interested club in securing his signature.
However, West Ham United should not allow the opportunity to sign the former Ajax man to escape their grasp, given their need for defenders.
Slaven Bilic is known to want to upgrade his defensive line, and Vermaelen would surely inject some quality into West Ham’s backline.
Vermaelen would add valuable experience and versatility, and could be used as an option anywhere across the defence at the London Stadium.
With Barca not looking for much of a fee, Vermaelen would be a low risk signing.
And with West Ham’s need for new defenders very obvious, the 31-year-old could make an astute addition for the London side this summer.
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