Arsenal might advance the move to sign 18-year-old Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, a target for Barcelona, in January.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Arsenal and Barcelona are keen on signing Arthur Vermeeren. And the Gunners might soon launch the offensive to land the 18-year-old in the January transfer window. So, Barcelona might have to drop out of the race to sign the Royal Antwerp midfielder.
Arthur Vermeeren has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in Europe since breaking into the Royal Antwerp first-team squad. A native of Lier, he began his youth career at his hometown club Lierse SK. Then, after a short spell with KV Mechelen, he landed at Royal Antwerp half a decade ago.
The 18-year-old made his first-team debut for Royal Antwerp at the onset of last season. Since then, the Belgian whizkid has come leaps and bounds, becoming a mainstay in the middle of the park at Stadium BOSUIL. Meanwhile, Vermeeren has already turned out 19 times this term, managing one goal and five assists.
The youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Recent reports have suggested that Juventus, Liverpool, and Manchester United are keen on signing him. But SPORT has pointed to Arsenal and Barcelona being the likeliest destinations for the teenage sensation.
Barcelona even opened talks to sign him in September. But other clubs’ emergence in the race to secure Vermeeren’s services has left the Blaugrana in a spot of bother. The report suggests Barcelona might have to bow out of the chase if another suitor launches the offensive in January.
That club might be Arsenal, with the North London club contemplating advancing the move to sign the 18-year-old. With Thomas Partey facing an uncertain future at the Emirates, the Gunners might need a replacement. The Royal Antwerp whizkid is thus a viable target for Arsenal heading into the January transfer window.
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The Belgian wonderkid will unlikely cost a bomb, with most reports pointing to an asking press lower than €20 million. So, it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can beat Barcelona to Vermeeren’s signature in the January transfer window.
