Royal Antwerp chief executive Sven Jacques believes that Arsenal target Arthur Vermeeren could become the “most expensive outgoing transfer” in Belgian history if they decide to sell him in January.
The 18-year-old scored and was named player of the month as Antwerp ended their Champions League campaign with a famous 3-2 win over Barcelona on Wednesday night. Speaking about the midfielder’s future after the match, Jacques said:
“We don’t assume it and we hope not, but there is a chance that Arthur will no longer be owned by Antwerp after January. The interest in him is growing every week – logical, given the steps he has taken.”
“He can leave, leave and stay for a while or just stay. If we sell him it will be at the right price anyway. We’ll see if he becomes the most expensive outgoing transfer in Belgium ever.”
Arsenal are known to be interested in Vermeeren
It was reported in the Italian media earlier this month that the Gunners were contemplating making a €15m (£13m) bid for the Belgian international.
At the time, it was suggested that Antwerp wanted around €25m (£21.5m). Based on what Jacque is saying, though, it appears that they could demand an even higher figure than that.
Vermeeren’s asking price
The highest fee paid to a Belgian club was the €36m (£31m) that AC Milan shelled out on Club Brugge attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere last year.
Whether Vermeeren is worth that much money, it is up for debate, but if enough teams do compete for the teenager’s signature, Antwerp may feel they can hold out for that sort of sum. It could, however, price Arsenal out of a move for a very promising young talent.
