Arsenal are seriously contemplating a bid for Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, according to TMW.
The Italian website claims that Napoli, Barcelona and Juventus have all considered making moves for the 18-year-old but the Gunners are the team “ready” to put their money where their mouth is with an offer in the region of €15m (£13m).
Even if Mikel Arteta’s side do formally table such a proposal in January for Vermeeren, though, it is unlikely to be accepted by Antwerp.
TMW report that the Belgian Pro League side have set their valuation at €25m (£21.4m), despite the fact that the teenager has only made 58 senior appearances since making his first-team debut in August last year.
Vermeeren has recently been capped by Belgium
Despite his young age, the teenager was handed his first cap at senior level by Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco back in October. He came on for the final few minutes of the 3-2 win over Austria in a European Championship qualifier.
Last month, Vermeeren made his first start for his country, playing the full 90 minutes in a friendly against Serbia.
Arsenal may be looking for a low-cost solution in midfield
The Gunners have been heavily linked with the likes of Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Athletic Bilbao’s Oihan Sancet in recent weeks.
However, those types of midfielders are expected to cost a lot and, with the London club restricted in what they can do due to Financial Fair Play rules, they could be seeking cheaper alternatives.
Considering Vermeeren’s potential, sporting director Edu may feel it is worthwhile pursuing him as he is not only one for the future, he could contribute straight away.
