Defender Thomas Vermaelen has, according to his agent, told Arsenal that he plans to look for first-team football elsewhere after this season.

After suffering several injuries this season, the Gunners skipper has found it hard to re-establish his spot in the starting 11 following impressive performances of dynamic pair Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.

"Thomas has told Wenger that he wants to leave Arsenal this summer," Vermaelen's agent Alex Kroes told Le10 Sport.

The Belgian international, who is currently recuperating from a calf injury, is linked with a move to Serie A side Napoli, but his representative belied such rumours.

"Are the stories true? What you've read in the newspapers and on the internet is unfounded," he told UltimeCalcioNapoli.

"Things that have been reported are not true, and I say this with full knowledge of the facts."

"Some outlets are beginning to speculate, but that's all it is - speculation."

"Now is not the time to talk."

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