Man Utd Transfers - 5 Centre-Back Alternatives To Mats Hummels

3. Thomas Vermaelen

Could Manchester United make a shock move for Arsenal's out-of-favour centre-back Thomas Vermaelen this summer? Having already sold their last captain to United, the Gunners would hardly be thrilled by the prospect of selling another, but it isn't inconceivable that Vermaelen could follow Robin van Persie to Old Trafford. The Belgian international has been well and truly in the cold at the Emirates this season, with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker preferred at centre-back by manager Arsene Wenger, limiting Vermaelen to just 14 Premier League appearances. United were first alerted to the defender's situation back in March, and the former Ajax man has stayed on the club's radar since, being touted as the ideal replacement for Nemanja Vidic. And if Arsenal deem Vermaelen surplus to requirements this summer, they may be tempted to cash in on the 28-year-old, having sold a number of their stars to Premier League rivals in the past.