Inter Milan weighing up Vermaelen bid?

Inter Milan have reportedly targeted Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgian centre-back has struggled to break up the partnership forged between Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker of late, leading to speculation that he could be allowed to leave the Emirates in January.

According to talkSPORT, the Nerazzurri are monitoring the 27-year-old with coach Walter Mazzarri keen on tightening up his defensive options having conceded six goals in the last two Serie A matches.

Additionally, the arrival of new Indonesian billionaire investor Erick Thohir is thought to bring with it the prospect of a winter spending spree at the San Siro.

Vermaelen, whose contract expires at the end of next season, moved to North London from Ajax in 2009.