Arsenal want Phil Jones to be part of Vermaelen deal

Arsene Wenger is hoping to persuade Manchester United to include either Phil Jones of Chris Smalling in any deal to take Thomas Vermaelen to Old Trafford.

Manchester United have already seen a £6 million bid for the defender waved off by the Gunners. Vermaelen has just a year left to his contract, however, Arsene Wenger would not want to cash in below £12 million.

But before the Gunners captain leaves, Wenger is seriously looking around for a long term replacement thus has contacted Manchester United to negotiate a swap deal.

Wenger has held a long-term interest in both Smalling and Jones, making an enquiry into the latter's availability earlier this summer. Arsenal tried to sign both players from Fulham and Blackburn respectively, but lost out to a Sir Alex Ferguson.