Arsenal Eye Jones or Smalling in Swap Deal with Manchester United for Vermaelen

Arsenal are reportedly demanding Phil Jones or Chris Smalling from Manchester United in exchange for Thomas Vermaelen in the ongoing transfer window.

The Daily Mirror reports that Arsene Wenger wants the Red Devils to part ways with either of the two England internationals to allow the Gunners captain to leave the Emirates. The Belgian international is a target for Louis van Gaal, who is said to be impressed by the 28-year-old's versatility.

United were believed to have made a £6m bid for Vermaelen which was rejected, as the north London club are holding out for £12m. The 20-time English champions are in need of centre backs following the exits of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

The Old Trafford club are also targeting Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund but the Bundesliga outfit's manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that the World Cup-winning star is not for sale.

Wenger currently has only one cover for the first choice pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at the heart of Arsenal's defence. The 64-year-old Frenchman is uncertain about Vermaelen's future at the Emirates, but stressed that he will bring in a replacement in the event of the former Ajax star's departure.

Earlier reports claimed that the Arsenal boss had set his sights on Manchester City's Matija Nastasic. The Serbian international's chances of starting regularly next season will deteriorate if the reported move for Eliaquim Mangala from FC Porto successfully goes through.

Vermaelen is currently in the final year of his contract and the FA Cup holders would prefer offloading their skipper this summer than lose him for free at the end of next season.

The Gunners will be playing in the US against the New York Red Bulls, where their all-time leading scorer Thierry Henry, is currently plying his trade.

Midfielder Abou Diaby, who missed almost the entire 2013-14 season through injury, is keen to prove his fitness and stake his claim to become a first team regular.

The 28-year-old Frenchman featured in the second half during Arsenal's 2-0 victory in their first pre-season match against Boreham Wood last weekend.

"I think it was good occasion for us to get prepared. It was a good game against a good team, it was a lovely day as well so we are happy. I haven't done that [play 45 minutes] for one year so I was really happy to be back in a normal game," Diaby told Arsenal's official website.

"I hope it's going to stay like this. Pre-season has been really good so far, we still have three weeks and I hope to complete 90 per cent of it and that will be a successful one for me."