Arsenal are seriously “considering” making a move for Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, according to Sport.
The Catalan publication claims that Barcelona are interested in signing the player who is “very Busquets” like, but the La Liga champions fear losing out on him to the Gunners.
It is believed that Mikel Arteta’s side have “taken a step forward” in the battle to secure Vermeeren’s signature, with the Belgian expected to cost €15m (£13m).
The 18-year-old has only just started his second season as a professional footballer but he has been impressing scouts from clubs right across Europe.
Arsenal are not the only English team watching Vermeeren
The likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, West Ham and Brighton have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the teenager in recent months.
Considering that Vermeeren’s asking price isn’t exactly that high, it wouldn’t be a surprise if one of these Premier League rivals does challenge Arsenal for the player’s services.
Why are the Gunners looking to sign another midfielder?
After shelling out £105m on Declan Rice, as well as another £65m on Kai Havertz, during the summer transfer window, it could be argued that Arteta doesn’t really need any reinforcements in the middle of the park.
However, Jorginho’s contract expires at the end of the season. While Arsenal do have an option to extend the Italian international’s stay for another twelve months, they may look to cut their losses on the former Chelsea player and sign a much younger replacement like Vermeeren instead.
Taking into account the constant injuries that both Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe seem to pick up too, there is a good argument to say that another midfielder is needed anyway.
