Arsenal and Tottenham have reportedly scouted 18-year-old Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, a target for Barcelona.
According to a report by 90min, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have run the rule over Arthur Vermeeren this week. Royal Antwerp locked horns with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, with scouts from several clubs watching the youngster. Meanwhile, the 18-year-old is also the subject of interest from Barcelona.
Arthur Vermeeren: A Star in the Making
Arthur Vermeeren is one of the best young midfield prospects in Europe. A graduate of the Royal Antwerp youth division, the Belgian prospect has been with his current club for over half a decade. He rose through the ranks at Royal Antwerp before making his first-team debut at the onset of the 2022/23 season.
Since then, Vermeeren’s stock has soared, with the youngster establishing himself as a regular for Royal Antwerp. The 18-year-old has made 62 appearances thus far for the Great Old, chipping in with three goals and seven assists. Meanwhile, the teenage prodigy’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of Barcelona, Arsenal, and Tottenham.
Where Will Vermeeren Land?
Arthur Vermeeren has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time. The reigning La Liga champions have also held talks to secure the young midfielder’s services. Considering Oriol Romeu is only a short-term solution at the Catalan club, the Royal Antwerp prospect is a viable target for them. But Arsenal and Tottenham have scouted the Barcelona target this week.
Reports in October had suggested that Arsenal and Tottenham had submitted an enquiry for the 18-year-old. The Gunners are in the market for a holding midfielder amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Thomas Partey. And Vermeeren can replace the Ghanaian midfielder at the Emirates.
As for Tottenham, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg does not have a long-term future at the North London club. So, they need a replacement and have been scouring the market for the ideal candidate. Arthur Vermeeren has thus emerged as a viable target for Tottenham.
Several other European bigwigs are also keen on securing Vermeeren’s services next year. So, it will be interesting to see where the 18-year-old Belgian prospect lands amid escalating interest in him.
