Roma keen on arsenal defender thomas vermaelen

Roma keen on Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen - report

Roma are reportedly tracking Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, with director Daniele Prade said to be keeping an eye on him.

Prade was spotted in north London watching the Gunners during their 5-0 win over Porto in the Champions League, and was impressed with what he witnessed from the Belgian centre-back.

Vermaelen has been enjoying a stellar first campaign in the Premier League and Roma are pondering whether to fire away with an offer.

It is said Philippe Mexes is likely to leave the Serie A club at the end of the season, and the Italians have identified Vermaelen as an ideal replacement. 

The Lupi have also been heavily linked with Vermaelen's defensive partner William Gallas, after Claudio Ranieriexpressed his admiration for him, and uncertainties still remain over the Frenchman's contract talks at the Emirates Stadium.