Arsenal ‘closing in’ on €15m move for Belgian star Arthur Vermeeren

Arsenal’s search for midfield reinforcements has led them to Belgian wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren. The Gunners are reportedly closing in on a €15 million deal for the highly-rated 18-year-old, dealing a blow to Barcelona, who had also shown interest in the player.

Vermeeren’s Rise to Prominence

Arthur Vermeeren has been making waves in Belgian football, impressing scouts with his composure on the ball and excellent ball-winning abilities. Last season, he earned a place in the starting lineup for Royal Antwerp, the title-winning side in Belgium.

The young midfielder’s statistical data stands out as some of the most efficient in Europe for his age, further cementing his reputation as a promising talent. Vermeeren’s performances have not gone unnoticed, catching the eye of top clubs across Europe.

Arsenal’s Pursuit of Vermeeren

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is keen to bolster their midfield options, particularly in the defensive midfield position, to provide more freedom to Declan Rice in a box-to-box role. Vermeeren has emerged as one of their primary targets for this role, with the Gunners confident that he can seamlessly adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

Transfer insider Dean Jones suggests that Arsenal is on the verge of securing Vermeeren’s signature. The anticipated transfer fee of €15 million makes him an affordable option for the North London club. The Gunners’ interest in Vermeeren is further supported by the fact that the young Belgian possesses the qualities they seek in a long-term prospect alongside Rice.

Vermeeren’s Playing Style and Potential

Described as a cross between a traditional holding midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder, Vermeeren’s versatility and tactical understanding have drawn comparisons to legendary Barcelona midfielders Andres Iniesta and Xavi. His ability to read the game and make intelligent decisions on the pitch has impressed his teammates, with former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld hailing his enormous potential.

Vermeeren’s rise to the Belgium national team further demonstrates his talent and potential. With a bright future ahead of him, the 18-year-old midfielder is a highly sought-after prospect in European football.

Barcelona’s Missed Opportunity

Barcelona’s interest in Vermeeren as a potential long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets has been well-documented. However, their financial constraints have hindered their ability to compete with Arsenal for the young midfielder’s signature. This serves as a reminder of the importance for Barcelona to move quickly in securing their identified talents before their competitors have the chance.

While Vermeeren remains a target for Barcelona, their inability to commit significant funds in the January transfer window puts them at a disadvantage in the race for the Belgian starlet.

Arsenal’s Alternative Target: Santiago Gimenez

In addition to their pursuit of Vermeeren, Arsenal has also been linked with a move for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez. The Gunners are eager to add a new number 9 to their squad, with manager Mikel Arteta prioritizing the signing of a striker.

Journalist Graeme Bailey suggests that Gimenez would be a more cost-effective alternative to Brentford’s Ivan Toney. The Mexican striker has gained attention after an impressive season with Feyenoord, where he has showcased his goal-scoring prowess and caught the eye of several top clubs.

While a January move for Gimenez seems unlikely, given Feyenoord’s reluctance to sell one of their most promising talents, the striker’s availability in the summer transfer window could attract significant interest from Arsenal and other clubs.

Conclusion

Arsenal’s pursuit of Arthur Vermeeren showcases their commitment to strengthening their midfield options. The young Belgian’s impressive performances and potential have caught the attention of top clubs, including Barcelona. However, it appears that Arsenal is leading the race for his signature, with a reported €15 million deal on the horizon.

Vermeeren’s adaptability, composure on the ball, and tactical understanding make him an ideal long-term prospect alongside Declan Rice in Arsenal’s midfield. As the Gunners continue to reshape their squad, the addition of Vermeeren would provide them with a talented young player who can make an immediate impact.

While Barcelona may have missed out on Vermeeren due to financial constraints, their interest in the player serves as a reminder of the importance of swift action in securing identified talents. Arsenal’s pursuit of Santiago Gimenez as an alternative striking option further demonstrates their determination to strengthen the squad.

As the January transfer window approaches, football fans eagerly await the outcome of Arsenal’s pursuit of Vermeeren and their potential moves for other targets.