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Chelsea eye shock move for Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermaelen
JOSE MOURINHO is eyeing a surprise swoop for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen.
Vermaelen's future has been the subject of speculation over the last year, since the Belgian lost his place in the Arsenal backline.
Arsene Wenger has preferred to partner Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at centre-back, using Vermaelen sparingly.
Vermaelen has suggested he will stay at Arsenal, but with his contract due to expire in the summer of 2015 he may look to move on.
And Chelsea are reported to be lining up an offer to bring the 28-year-old to Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho's top target is Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, but he also wants to bolster his flagging defence.
The Blues boss is keen to sign a new left-back with Ashley Cole out of favour and Cesar Azpilicueta out of position.