Arsenal expect out-of-favour captain Thomas Vermaelen to decide on his future by the end of July, Football Express News understands.
The Belgium international lost his place in the side at the start of last season and was often left on the substitutes’ bench as Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker went on to form a formidable partnership.
A source close to the Emirates Stadium told FEN the 28-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract, is free to leave during the summer transfer window but will not be forced out of the club.
The insider revealed Vermaelen can stay and fight for his place but has been given no reassurances about an improvement in his status in Arsene Wenger’s squad and several clubs have expressed an interest in securing his signature.
The Gunners believe a resolution will be found one way or another within the next fortnight, and if he does leave Wenger is almost certain to bring in a replacement as cover for the first-choice central defenders.
Despite retaining the captain’s armband last term he was regularly overlooked and missed out on a starting berth in the 3-2 FA Cup final victory over Hull City, which ended the north London side’s nine-year wait for a piece of silverware.