Thomas Vermaelen has left Arsenal and agreed terms to join Barcelona on Saturday.

The Belgium international completed his medical before joining the La Liga giants for an undisclosed fee. Despite being linked with a move to Manchester United, the centre-back agreed to sign for the Catalan club. Vermaelen will join Barcelona on a five-year deal.

“FC Barcelona and Arsenal FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Belgian player Thomas Vermaelen. He joins the Catalans on a five-year deal,” a statement read on Barcelona’s official website.

“He has been at the Gunners for six seasons, but came up through the ranks at Ajax Amsterdam, as well as spending one year on loan to RKC Waalwijk.”