Vermaelen flies in to become Arsenal's first summer signing

Arsenal completed their first signing of the summer after confirming the arrival of Belgium international defender Thomas Vermaelen for an undisclosed fee from Ajax. The 23-year-old put pen to paper at Emirates on Friday afternoon after flying into Englan

Arsenal completed their first signing of the summer after confirming the arrival of Belgium international defender Thomas Vermaelen for an undisclosed fee from Ajax.

The 23-year-old put pen to paper at Emirates on Friday afternoon after flying into England with his agent Sjaak Swaart to meet his new boss Ars�ne Wenger.

Vermaelen said: "I'm just so happy to be joining Arsenal. This is a great Club with a world class manager, high quality players and a fantastic stadium.

"I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal.

"I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this Club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season."

Wenger added: "Thomas is a great signing for Arsenal ... we are all delighted that he is joining us. Thomas will be a huge asset to Arsenal."

Vermaelen, who has spent five years in Amsterdam, will join his new teammates at pre-season training on July 6.

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