Arsenal is on the verge of securing a deal for promising Belgian midfield starlet Arthur Vermeeren, dealing a potential blow to Barcelona’s hopes of acquiring the young talent. Last year, Barcelona shortlisted Vermeeren as a potential long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets, but it seems they are set to miss out on the 18-year-old.

As reported by Sport, Arsenal is closing in on the signing of Vermeeren, and the deal could potentially be finalized this January. The transfer fee for the young talent is expected to be around €15 million, making it a financially feasible move for the North London club. Barcelona, on the other hand, is currently facing financial constraints, which have all but ruled them out of the race for Vermeeren. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

Arsenal’s confidence in Vermeeren’s ability to adapt seamlessly to the Premier League has played a significant role in their pursuit of the youngster. The Belgian midfielder showcased his talents by earning a place in the starting lineup for Royal Antwerp, a title-winning side in Belgium last season. His composure on the ball and excellent ball-winning skills have not gone unnoticed by scouts and analysts.

What particularly stood out to those evaluating Vermeeren’s potential was his statistical data, which ranks as some of the most efficient in Europe for his age. This makes him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to invest in emerging talent.

Barcelona, in light of their financial situation, faces the harsh reality that they must act swiftly when identifying young talents or secure a player’s commitment and work out a deal later. The competition for promising players in the transfer market is fierce, and Barcelona’s financial constraints are complicating their ability to secure top prospects.

The Catalan club has also mentioned Gabriel Moscardo as a potential alternative, but with strong interest from Chelsea, even this task seems challenging for the Blaugrana. The race for young talents in European football is fierce, and clubs must navigate both the financial landscape and competition from other top clubs to secure the rising stars of the game.

As Arsenal inches closer to acquiring Arthur Vermeeren, the move not only bolsters their squad but also represents a missed opportunity for Barcelona in their quest for the next generation of talent to carry the legacy of the club forward. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.