Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen 'is set for Arsenal'

Ajax centre-back Thomas Vermaelen claims he is on the verge of a £10million move to Arsenal.

The Gunners are reported to have agreed a fee for the 23-year-old Belgium international, who can also play at left-back.

Vermaelen said: "Moving to Arsenal is the right path for me. It is a great sporting challenge and I'll also be financially better off. I think everything will be okay. There will be more talks in the coming days."

The Ajax captain is 5ft 11ins and former Gunners skipper Tony Adams fears Vermaelen could struggle in England.

"I think Thomas is very good but I don't think he's ready," said the former England centre-back. "I don't think the punters at Arsenal would like another small one."