Arsenal have asked about the availability of Arthur Vermeeren.

According to 90min, Arsenal have made an enquiry about Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren.

The report states that the Gunners are keen to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz. However, they are exploring alternative targets, and striking a deal for the Brazilian will be difficult.

Vemeeren is one of those alternative options under consideration. The 18-year-old is hugely talented and has vast potential. He has even previously been likened to Barcelona icons Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Of course, given his youth, and the fact that he has never played club football beyond Belgium, it would be a big ask for Vermeeren to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. He would clearly be a signing made with the future in mind.

The north London club do need to start building for the future in the middle of the park. With Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Mohamed Elneny all in the twilight years of their playing careers, a largely new-look midfield can’t be far away for the Gunners. 

Arthur Vermeeren would fit the Arsenal recruitment model

Mikel Arteta has shown a willingness to invest his faith in young players during his time at the helm at the Emirates Stadium. Hale End academy graduates Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, and Emile Smith Rowe have all enjoyed first team roles under his watch.

The likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and William Saliba are all under the age of 25 and form the spine of the regular starting XI.

Vermeeren could well be the next promising starlet given a chance to shine at Arsenal. However, whether securing his services during the upcoming January transfer window is a priority remains to be seen.

It would not be surprising if Arsenal’s focus in January is on addressing more pressing issues in the squad, and a deal for a target like Vermeeren is postponed until the summer.

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