Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen completes loan switch to Roma

Barcelona have announced that defender Thomas Vermaelen has agreed a move to Roma on a season-long loan.

The 30-year-old was linked with a return to Arsenal, where he spent five years, while Liverpool were also rumoured as potential suitors.

However, Vermaelen has opted to join Serie A giants Roma, who have also agreed an option to buy the defender at the end of the season.

Vermaelen joined Barcelona from the Gunners in 2014, but injuries prevented him from making his debut until the final game of the season.

The centre-back struggled to break into the first team, making 21 appearances in total.