Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hinted on Thursday that Premier League rival Manchester United is one of several clubs pursuing the signature of Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen.

Vermaelen, 28, is Arsenal's club captain, but he lost his starting spot last season and has been linked with clubs including United and Barcelona.

Wenger confirmed at a media conference that Arsenal had received bids for the left-footed centerback and when asked which clubs had made them, he said: "I can't tell you that, but you will know very soon."