Arsenal have reportedly moved ahead of a number of European clubs including Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign Royal Antwerp teenager Arthur Vermeeren.
The 18-year-old midfielder has quickly become one of the most sought-after youngsters in world football since making his professional debut in August last year.
Vermeeren has already made 49 senior appearances for Antwerp, including 20 outings last season to help the club lift their first Belgian Pro League title in over six decades, as well as win the Belgian Cup.
This term, the deep-lying midfielder has started 15 times in all competitions, scoring once and providing five assists including two assists in a Champions League group-stage defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Barcelona allegedly sent scouts to watch Vermeeren play in the Champions League, and despite featuring in a heavy 5-0 loss to the Catalan giants in September, the midfielder is said to have made a notable impression.
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Man United, Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the youngster, who is believed to be valued between €17m (£15m) and €20m (£17.3m).
Meanwhile, a recent report claims that Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have all made contact with Antwerp to discuss the availability of Vermeeren.
However, according to Sport, the Gunners are currently leading the race for the teenager's signature and may step up their pursuit in the January transfer window.
The report adds that manager Mikel Arteta has insisted to Arsenal chiefs that the club must move quickly in an attempt to lure the in-demand Vermeeren to the Emirates Stadium.
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Arteta is said to be an admirer of Vermeeren's technical ability and positional play, and believes that he would complement big-money summer signing Declan Rice in his midfield.
While Barcelona are not prepared to spend a significant sum on Vermeeren in January due to their financial predicament, Arsenal are said to be "willing to pay a fairly high price" for the teenager.
Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Ajax and Monaco are among a number of other clubs believed to be keeping tabs on Vermeeren, who is under contract at Antwerp until June 2026.
The 2023 Golden Boy nominee received his first senior call-up to the Belgium national team this month and made his debut in a 3-2 win over Austria in a Euro 2024 qualifier last Friday.
Oliver Thomas
