Arsene Wenger has prioritised a move for the 28-year-old as the Gunners look to tie up the deal that will cost the club between £8 million and £10m . goal.com

Will be a huge upgrade over Vermaelen.

I can see Verminator to Barcelona.

I hope it's not true.

Well he got 1 good season behind him but I can see him in our team just like sub. We all know Arsenal got a lot of injured players if Mertescker/Vermaelen/Koscielny is injured we got not solid CB on the bench. So yes we need CB! Hope Vermaelen will stay and make his way to starting XI again!

They need to sign someone big

This is a strange one. The only way I can see this going through is if they sold Verms, which is possible. However, unlike everyone else, I still think Verms is one of the best CBs around. Yes, he's had a shit season, but I think much of that has to do with 2 things: #1-our lack of firepower up front made him more prone to try and play offensively (as he has a wicked shot and is good on the ball), leaving behind a gaping hole in our defensive line. #2-I think since he was made captain, he's tried too hard (meaning he went into tackles when he shouldn't, gave away silly freekicks & pens, and lacked discipline).
Personally, I want Vermaelen to stay and fight for his place or be converted to a CDM (a role I think he'd excel at). I'm not sure he wants to though.
If we add Williams, fine but I'm not sure how keen he'd be, considering the current defensive partnership has been the best in the league for the past few months. He's a captain and first name on the team @ Swansea. It would be a risky move for him.

All that being said, Williams almost "killing" RVP will certainly endear him to the Emirates faithful.