David Raya also joined from Brentford on a season-long loan, with the north London outfit having the option to buy the Spanish international if they so wish. But that major transfer outlay hasn't stopped Mikel Arteta's side from being linked with a number of players, most recently Vermeeren.
According to Teamtalk, Arsenal have now joined the race for the talented 18-year-old, who has also been mooted as a potential target for the likes of Liverpool, Barcelona and Brighton & Hove Albion in recent times. Vermeeren is a well-rounded midfielder, capable of breaking up play whilst also being a progressive passer.
It is claimed that the Belgian youngster is valued somewhere in the region of £15million, with Ajax, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund also keen on the player. Vermeeren, who recently replaced Gunners attacker Leandro Trossard in Belgium's most recent squad for clashes against Austria and Sweden, has even been compared to Barcelona legend Xavi and Andres Iniesta by Arsenal legend Marc Overmars.
The Dutchman, who is currently Anterwp's director of football, told FCBN: "I do not have doubts that Vermeeren can play in the Barca. When I played here, can see like Xavi and Iniesta went growing... And now that see here to Vermeeren, have the same profile."
It remains to be seen whether or not sporting director Edu will indeed pursue a deal for the highly-rated teenager considering Arsenal already have a wealth of options in midfield.
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