Manchester United and Barcelona are both actively pursuing the signature of 18-year-old sensation Arthur Vermeeren from Royal Antwerp, as reported. The young midfielder, drawing comparisons to the likes of Andres Iniesta, has garnered attention for his standout performances with the Belgian champions since making his debut in the previous season. Mundo Deportivo has revealed that Manchester United, along with Liverpool and Ajax, have been closely monitoring his progress. However, the Premier League clubs may find themselves playing catch-up in the race for the 18-year-old’s services.
Mundo Deportivo recently disclosed that Barcelona’s director, Deco, has already engaged in discussions about the defensive midfielder with Marc Overmars, his counterpart at Royal Antwerp and a former Blaugrana star. Prior to their Champions League clash against Barcelona this season, Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel confirmed that top-tier teams have expressed interest in the Belgian talent, who is reportedly valued at approximately €20 million (£17 million/$21 million). He remarked to reporters, ‘I am delighted that he has been a part of our team during this time.
It’s incredible how much he has progressed in just a year. Since his introduction, he has consistently made a significant impact. He’s not only attracting Barcelona’s attention but also that of several other top clubs.