Arsenal lead Liverpool in race for young Belgian midfielder

Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign highly-rated Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren

Arsenal have moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign highly-rated Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren.

The 18-year-old has attracted interest from clubs across Europe, including Barcelona and Premier League sides. But Arsenal now appear in pole position to secure Vermeeren’s signature amid competition from Liverpool.

Vermeeren currently plays for Belgian club Antwerp and made his Champions League debut against Barcelona earlier this season. Despite Antwerp losing 4-0 at Camp Nou, Vermeeren impressed and caught the eye of Barca’s scouts.

Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign highly-rated Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren. — Mikel Arteta is a fan of the young player. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

However, Arsenal seem to have stolen a march on the Catalan giants in the battle for the teenage midfielder. Barcelona’s financial restrictions prevent them from signing Vermeeren in January or matching Arsenal’s bid.

The Gunners are willing to pay around £17m to land the talented prospect during the winter window. That would be too much for Barca to commit to a youngster yet to fully prove himself at the top level.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is said to be a big admirer of Vermeeren’s technical quality and positional sense according to the Spanish outlet Sport. via Express (h/t Liverpool Echo), Arteta believes the 18-year-old Belgian would complement Declan Rice in the Gunners’ midfield.

Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign highly-rated Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) — Jurgen Klopp’s side is losing the battle to sign Arthur Vermeeren (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Liverpool were named among several other Premier League sides monitoring Vermeeren, including Manchester United and West Ham.

But Arsenal have moved decisively to make themselves frontrunners to finalize a January deal for the highly-rated teenager. Vermeeren played a key role as Antwerp won the Belgian title last season despite his tender age.