Former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is leaving Vissel Kobe.

Now 36, Vermaelen is being allowed to come off contract by his J-League club, where Andres Iniesta is also on the books.

Vermaelen has no plans to retire and is returning to Europe to play.

And an early favourite to land the veteran is Vincent Kompany's Anderlecht, with plans to snap up Vermaelen next month.

This season, Vermaelen has made 24 appearances for Vissel Kobe.