Arsene Wenger "open" to offering Thomas Vermaelen contract extension

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is "ready" to offer defender Thomas Vermaelen fresh terms.

The Belgium international was previously linked with a move away from the Emirates due to his lack of first-team football.

West Ham United have only recently emerged as potential suitors for the centre-back, whose contract expires in 2015.

However, Wenger has insisted that he is not prepared to let go of the 28-year-old, who has been an Arsenal player since 2009.

According to the club's official Twitter page, in this morning's press conference Wenger said: "I'm ready to extend Vermaelen's contract. He is a quality player and I'm open to it."

Wenger has also claimed that the North London outfit are "unlikely" to sign any new players this month.