Arsenal stepping up interest in £15m wonderkid, after claims Liverpool want him too

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Arsenal have joined the race to sign reported Liverpool target Arthur Vermeeren from Royal Antwerp.

Vermeeren has emerged as a potential star of the future with his performances in Belgian over the past year. His breakthrough has led to speculation that he’s on the radar of top teams across Europe, including Liverpool.

And according to TeamTALK today, Arsenal have now joined the race for the £15m rated 18-year-old, too.

It’s claimed that the Gunners are jostling alongside the likes of Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton and Barcelona for the youing midfielder.

Beyond the clubs mentioned, it’s also claimed that ‘scouts from across Europe’ have been ‘clamouring’ to watch Vermeeren.

Arsenal step up Vermeeren chase

Still only 18, Vermeeren looks set to win his first international caps over the coming week. Ironically from Arsenal’s point of view, the teenager has been called into the squad to replace the injured Leandro Trossard.

The Antwerp midfielder is far from a like-for-like for Trossard, but does appear to be a multi-functional player.

Often utilised as a defensive midfielder, Vermeeren also looks capable of playing further up the pitch, too.

From a Liverpool point of view, it would be a rare break from form for them to sign a player like the Belgian youngster.

Although they’re often linked with the hottest young talents in world football, the Reds don’t often end up signing many – if any, of them.

In Vermeeren’s case perhaps it will be different. Liverpool do need a defensive midfielder after all and he would be easily affordable.

But the Reds also already possess one of the best young midfielders of Vermeeren’s generation – Stefan Bajcetic. In our opinion, we don’t need another. Let’s leave this for Arsenal et al to fight over.