The winger was nominated for the second time in Japan for the prize but it was the former Gunner who eventually emerged as the winner
Ex-Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen beat Kenya international Ayub Timbe to Vissel Kobe's Player of the Month Award for May.
The J1 League outfit confirmed the former Arsenal star as the winner on Thursday after he struck to earn the side a 1-1 draw in the 96th minute against Cerezo Osaka in May. Timbe, who has found his footing in the Japanese league and has become a regular first-teamer for Vissel Kobe, assisted Vermaelen to score the all-important goal.