Chelsea join Super Lig leaders in race to sign Barcelona defender

Belgium's defender Thomas Vermaelen (L) vies with Portugal's midfielder Bernardo Silva during the friendly football match between Portugal and Belgium at Magalhaes Pessoa stadium in Leiria, Portugal on March 29, 2016. / AFP / FRANCISCO LEONG (Photo credit should read FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images)

Premier League clubs Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham United are all interested in signing Barcelona’s defender Thomas Vermaelen.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claim that the Premier League trio have joined Besiktas in the race to sign the international defender.

The 30-year-old made over 150 appearances for the Gunners, but has made just 10 league appearances this season for the Catalan giants due to injuries.

Vermaelen joined the La Liga giants from Arsenal for €19 million back in 2014. The 30-year-old has three years remaining on his current deal with Barcelona.

Barcelona are prepared to offload their centre back Vermaelen at the end of the season according to the Turkish newspaper Fanatik.

Besiktas at the top of the Premier League and are currently six points ahead of their Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce. The Yellow Canaries do however have the chance to slash the point gap down to three points is they can record a win away to Trabzonspor.

Barcelona take on Real Betis in the Spanish league next weekend. Luis Enrique’s side recorded a 6-0 win over Sporting this week.

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