Report: Barcelona agrees to acquire Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen

Barcelona has agreed to acquire Arsenal center back Thomas Vermaelen for a £15m ($25 million) transfer fee. The 28-year-old Belgian was Arsenal's captain and spent five seasons with the team.

Barcelona has agreed to acquire Arsenal center back Thomas Vermaelen for a £15m ($25 million) transfer fee, the BBC's David Ornstein reports.

The 28-year-old Belgian was Arsenal's captain and spent five seasons with the team. He was limited last season by injury and lost his starting spot. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said earlier this week there was a chance Vermaelen would not return this season.

"He could leave, it could happen. I've said that since the start of pre-season," said Wenger.

"He needs to play now. He has shown an outstanding attitude but he is in a position where we wouldn't stand in his way if he finds an interesting opportunity."

Vermaelen and Barcelona still need to negotiate the defender's contract, according to Ornstein.

During his Arsenal career, Vermaelen made 110 appearances. Before joining Arsenal in 2009, Vermaelen played for Ajax.

More: Q&A with Arsenal's Arsene Wenger

- Paul Palladino