Arsenal are reportedly prepared to pay £17million to trump Barcelona to the January signing of Royal Antwerp starlet Arthur Vermeeren. Reports in Spain say that the Premier League outfit have ‘entered the race’ to acquire the teenager in the winter window.
Vermeeren has attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. The 18-year-old made his senior debut for the club in August 2022 and has since made 49 appearances for the Belgian outfit.
He is now a senior international with Belgium having been handed his debut in Friday’s 3-2 victory over Austria. Having received international recognition, Vermeeren is also being courted by several top clubs.
It is claimed that Antwerp’s sporting director, the former Arsenal winger Marc Overmars, held discussions with Barcelona over a possible deal. Arsenal will apparently rival Barca’s interest over the coming months.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Arsenal are willing to outbid the Spanish giants with a £17m (€20m) offer. Barca’s financial constraints supposedly mean they would not be able to match any bid of that value.
Vermeeren is an intelligent midfielder capable of playing several roles. He has already developed a reputation for his excellent positional sense.
Overmars believes he has the ability to play for Barca. “I do not have doubts that Vermeeren can play for Barca,” the ex-Belgium star said in September ahead of the Champions League clash between the La Liga side and Antwerp.
“When I played here, I could see the likes of Xavi and Iniesta were growing. And now to see Vermeeren here, he has the same profile.”
Arsenal could be tempted to add to their midfield in January despite the summer arrivals of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. The opportunity to sign a young player with huge potential in Vermeeren could be too good to turn down.
