Arsenal have “got their eye” on Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter claimed that the Gunners may consider pursuing the Belgian international if they decide to dispense with the services of Thomas Partey:
“I know they’ve got their eye on the lad at Antwerp [Arthur Vermeeren], who is one of the breakthrough players of his generation and they are at this point trying to consider ways that they can rebuild their midfield.”
“Also, they want to get to a place too where they can allow Declan Rice to get a bit more freedom. So I think it’s been on their radar to bring in another midfielder anyway, but if Thomas Partey is going to continue to struggle and have this sort of injury record, then it is going to be a case of having to bulk up the squad.”
Replacing Partey may be seriously considered by Arsenal
The Ghanaian has picked up his ninth injury in the space of 3 years since arriving from Atletico Madrid for £45m, and his second this season, despite the fact we are still only in October.
It is, therefore, unsurprisingly that the Gunners would be looking at potential replacements, although Vermeeren is a very different type of player, with the 18-year-old very much an anchor man akin to Andrea Pirlo, rather than a midfield enforcer.
There will be competition for Vermeeren
The teenager’s exploits have not gone unnoticed by other teams. Barcelona are known to be keeping close tabs on him, while Manchester United, Liverpool, West Ham and Brighton are also interested.
Antwerp are not expected to hold out for a massive fee to sell Vermeeren, with reports suggesting £15m could be enough to secure the Belgian’s services.
