Vermaelen joined Arsenal in a £10million deal from Ajax in the summer and has been a hit at the Emirates Stadium.
Wright told The Sun: “Thomas has been an unbelievable signing.
“He scores goals, he’s comfortable and is a great defender in respect that he’s robust, quick and has a great left foot.
“I saw his debut up at Everton and he was fantastic. That’s exactly what I want for Arsenal — signings like him who can come in and fit in immediately.
“He looks like an Arsenal player. A couple more like him and Arsenal could be right amongst it.
“Kolo Toure hadn’t been playing as well as he had done and Vermaelen has been a major success since coming in.
“Toure’s started pretty well at Manchester City but is getting a couple of little niggles here and there.
“Arsene Wenger’s got a knack of knowing when to get rid of certain players and it was unbelievable business bearing in mind what he bought him for and what he sold him for.
“But there’s no comparison between him and Vermaeln — I’d taken Vermaelen every time — especially with the money we got for Kolo.
“It’s a no brainer — an absolute no brainer.”
