Arsenal vice-captain Thomas Vermaelen's agent has remained coy over the defender's meeting with Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol and has refrained from dismissing speculation linking the Belgian with a move to the Spanish club.

Vermaelan has been linked with a potential move to the Catalan giants and though the 26 year old recently stated he would stay at Arsenal forever, talks of a possible move gained pace after he was pictured with Puyol at a restaurant in Ibiza.

The meeting between the two players has left the Gunners faithful worried and Vermalen's agent, Kees Vos, has not done much to reassure them that the centre-back will remain at the Emirates.

"It is two world-class defenders in the same restaurant," ESPN quoted Vos as saying.

Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay claims he will fight for a starting place at the Camp Nou, playing down speculation over his future. The Dutchman has been touted as a possible transfer target for several clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United but the player insists he is staying with the Catalans.

"I can't wait for the new season to begin, so I can get back on the pitch, and prove my worth for Barcelona," Metro quotes the 26 year old as saying.

The former PSV Eindhoven star only made five appearances for the Spanish club last season as he struggled with injury problems.

Finally, Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has stated he finds similarities between their Euro 2012 quarter final opponents France and his club Barcelona.

"France have a very strong team. With Laurent Blanc, they try to play a bit like us [Spain]. In some phases of play, they even remind me of Barca, especially in the way they carry the game to their opponents. It is clear they will try to fight for control of the ball because they have strong and technically gifted players. It will take a very strong Spain to prevail over them," Goal.com quoted Iniesta as saying.

Spain will meet France in Donetsk on Saturday with a spot in the semi final at stake.