Thomas Vermaelen admits he is benefitting from playing alongside William Gallas.

Arsenal’s £10million summer recruit has made a fine start to his career in England with two superb performances, and he feels playing alongside the France international is a huge help.

“He is very experienced,” Vermaelen told the official club site. “For me it’s much easier to play in a side with him because of that. I have already learned a lot from him.”

With Arsene Wenger still said to be interested in Fulham’s Brede Hangeland, though, it remains to be seen just how long the Belgian will be playing in the heart of the back four with his new pal.