Barcelona worried Arsenal could steal transfer target by making a move in January

The name of Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren is starting to become known in the world of football and the 18-year-old currently has two European giants chasing his signature in the form of Arsenal and Barcelona.

The Belgian midfielder has been monitored by the Catalan club for a while now and Xavi got a close look at the youngster having played against Barca in the Champions League back in September.

According to SPORT, Barcelona will sign a promising midfielder next summer and Vermeeren is one of the names on the transfer list – although the 18-year-old is no longer a priority for sporting director Deco.

Barcelona’s interest in the Belgian star will become clearer closer to the summer market but in the meantime, the Spanish outfit fear Arsenal could make a move in January.