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Player Arsenal want to sign for £20m has now produced a stunning display against Barcelona in the CL
Ahead of the January transfer window, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have often been linked with the arrival of a new midfielder.
And whilst it’s usually big names for big prices, Arsenal have been credited with interest in a lesser known profile.
Royal Antwerp’s 18-year-old Arthur Vermeeren is a player with a growing reputation, one that will have catapulted last night.
Vermeeren, playing in a slightly more advanced midfield role on this occasion, was outstanding against Barcelona in Royal Antwerp’s 3-2 Champions League win.
The youngster scored the Belgian side’s opening goal and showed just why Arsenal are tracking his progress.
And when reviewing the game, Belgian outlet handed Vermeeren a 9/10 for his efforts.
They said: “Played slightly higher than usual and needed only 75 seconds to open the scoring.
“Infiltrated well and racked up several goal-ready chances. He also recovered many balls higher up the pitch.
“Only downside: when he played safe after Ejuke’s corner, the 1-1 did not fall.”
It was a performance that will catch attention, and one that may raise a price tag previously mentioned.
Arsenal target Arthur Vermeeren produces wonder-display ahead of January transfer window
In fact, via the same source, Antwerp’s CEO has actually admitted that he’s already talking to several teams about Vermeeren with interest increasing.
And Arsenal fans may hope that they are still in the running ahead of the January transfer window.
Although a £100m move for Douglas Luiz is often mentioned, one Alan Brazil now thinks is possible, a Vermeeren move does seem more realistic.
Arsenal are thought to be slightly restricted by the Financial Fair Play parameters in January, making a big transfer seem unlikely.
And given Thomas Partey will return from injury in the new year, a profile like Vermeeren could work well.
The youngster would need time to adapt at the club, and perhaps would then be ready and raring to go the following season.
It’s all fairly hypothetical right now, but whoever does sign the exciting Belgium international will have an excellent prospect on their hands.