Premier League side Watford FC are reportedly interested in landing injury ravaged player Thoma Vermaelen this summer.
Arsenal used to own the player and the Belgian spent five years at the Emirates before he moved to Barcelona in 2014. Barcelona inherited a player that has barely contributed anything meaningful despite paying £15 million for the move to the Nou Camp.
Watford had an underwhelming season but they seem to be planning a resurgence after a decent 2015/16 season. They want the 31-year old centre back to join their back line despite his long history with injuries.
Barcelona thought a change in league would do Vermaelen some good. They shipped the player off to AS Roma this season on a loan deal with the option of a permanent purchase. But Roma also barely enjoyed the player, so they passed up the offer to sign him permanently. He is set to return to Barca this summer as he is under contract until 2019.
Hornets coach Walter Mazzarri is reportedly willing to take the gamble to bring him back to the English top flight. The star defender has two sons with his English model wife. He is tempted with the thought of a return to London. He also knows he has no future in Spain so the move seems right.
Watford football chief Luke Dowling might have his doubts but he remains interested in the move of Vermaelen to Vicarage Road. Watford have doubts over the future of Adrian Mariappa, Miguel Britos, Sebastian Prodl and Younes Kaboul who are all in the 29-32 range. While Vermaelen is in this same category, he is a tested defender with key experience that could help them next term.
They have games against Everton, Chelsea and Manchester City but there is hope that they would keep their Premier League status. They need just a point to protect their top flight status.