ARSENAL lead the bidding war for Royal Antwerp wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren, dubbed the “next Andres Iniesta”.
Vermeeren, 18, has stood out for Antwerp this season and has attracted plenty of interest from around Europe.
The Gunners are among the midfielder’s suitors but face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United as well as Barcelona.
According to SPORT, however, the North Londoners are currently heading the race for the Belgium international’s signature.
And it is thought Arsenal could land Vermeeren for a bargain £17million in the January transfer window.
Manager Mikel Arteta is facing the prospect of losing Jorginho in the New Year with Barcelona expressing interest.
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The midfielder has struggled for minutes with the likes of Thomas Partey and club record signing Declan Rice ahead of him.
Plus, the ex-Chelsea star’s contract runs out in June and is thus free to negotiate with clubs oversees in the next two months.
Barca are also keeping tabs on Vermeeren in their bid to find someone to continue club legend Iniesta’s work in the middle of the park at the Nou Camp.
However, the Blaugrana have been marred by financial trouble and could instead turn to Corinthians ace Gabriel Moscardo.
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United are in the picture as well with manager Erik ten Hag “in love” with the versatile midfielder, who can play at No8 and No6.
After making his first-team debut last year, the Belgian has been playing regularly for Antwerp this season.
Vermeeren has scored one goal and provided five assists in 15 appearances across all competitions so far this term.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
