Arsenal Star Considering January Transfer to Boost World Cup Chances

Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen has hinted that he is considering his future at the Emirates after being left out on the sidelines by Arsene Wenger in a World Cup year.

The Belgium international has lost his place in the Gunners' starting lineup with Arsenal manager preferring Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker in the central defending position. Vermaelen has just made one league appearance, which was from the bench against his side's 3-1 win over Sunderland.

Vermaelen's lack of first team appearances for the north London club has seen him lose a place in the Belgium's back four, especially after Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany and Tottenham Hotspur's Jan Vertonghen have been in great form for Marc Wilmots' side.

"I'll have to think about that when it's necessary. January is still a few months ahead. Of course, never playing will not be the ideal situation for me to go to the World Cup, that's for sure," Vermaelen explained.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old centre-back is open for a move away from the Emirates in January. Vermaelen is aware that failing to get regular playtime could damage his chances of making it to the national squad for the next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Belgium have already qualified for the 2014 World Cup after their victory over Croatia earlier this month.

"People ask me if I panic because I'm not playing a lot but I'm not. I have spoken to the manager but it will remain private between us," the Belgium international stressed.

"Things can happen in a split second and change my situation. That can happen tomorrow or next weekend. In that case, we will speak differently in January. I have to be ready for that."

Meanwhile, Vermaelen had earlier admitted that Arsenal's tough fixtures in November could help him make a comeback in the starting lineup. The Gunners face Chelsea, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United in less than two weeks.

"That period will be a hard time for us and really intense but that's why you come to play for a big club like Arsenal. You want to play in these kind of games so to get four of those games in 10 days is something to look forward to," Vermaelen told Arsenal's official website.