Arsenal are reportedly edging ahead of Barcelona in the race to secure the signature of a promising Belgian talent, Arthur Vermeeren, during the upcoming January transfer window. The 18-year-old defensive midfielder has drawn comparisons to Spain’s iconic Sergio Busquets.
Arthur Vermeeren, born on February 7, 2005, in Lier, Belgium, has been associated with the Belgian national team since his youth, making his debut in the youth academy in 2018. His rise has piqued the interest of several top clubs, including Barcelona, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
Arsenal, currently enjoying a strong start to the season and sitting third in the Premier League table, is looking to bolster their squad as they aim for a title challenge. Manager Mikel Arteta is preparing for the January window with two significant additions in mind.
One key area of focus is the midfield, especially with uncertainties surrounding the future of Jorginho, who joined the club from Chelsea last January. While Arsenal has a one-year option on Jorginho’s contract, there are suggestions that he might depart.
In response to this, Arsenal has identified Arthur Vermeeren as a potential replacement. The young midfielder has garnered praise for his performances, helping Royal Antwerp win their first domestic league title in 66 years. His style of play draws comparisons to Joshua Kimmich, with his technical skills, passing ability, dribbling, and vision making him a creative force.
Despite his relatively slender build, Vermeeren exhibits physical strength and an ability to excel in challenging situations. His tackling accuracy, high football IQ, and awareness on the field have contributed to his rapid progress in the sport.
Reports indicate that Arsenal is now leading the race to sign Vermeeren during the January transfer window, despite previous links with Barcelona. The suggested transfer fee is approximately £13 million.
Arsenal’s plan is to utilize Vermeeren as a defensive midfielder, allowing Declan Rice to adopt a more attacking role. Vermeeren’s versatility and capacity to protect the defense while supporting the attack make him an attractive prospect.
Barcelona remains interested in Vermeeren but has not made a final decision on his signing. Arsenal, however, appears to be advancing in their pursuit, as they seek to enhance their midfield options. While Vermeeren is considered a risky option, the club is committed to strengthening their squad to maintain their title aspirations.
Vermeeren, who was recently featured in the CIES Football Observatory’s list of top 100 young talents, has expressed a desire to take the next step in his career. He has already demonstrated his ability in high-profile matches, including Champions League fixtures, and Arsenal sees him as a promising addition to their squad.
If Arsenal manages to secure Vermeeren’s services for a reported fee of €15 million, it could be a significant acquisition for the club, and they believe he has the potential to develop further alongside the likes of Rice and captain Martin Odegaard.
