It’s acceptable for me to take a pay cut for this exceptional club: a £60 million deal sees the Belgian international player agreeing to join Arsenal, despite sacrificing £20 million in wages.
The agreement was reached in January as Mikel Arteta was eager to have it completed at the start of the transfer window. The footballer has had a lifelong friendship with Kelvin De Bruyne.
Pep Guardiola is displaying interest in 18-year-old Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren and is prepared to pay €20 million to secure his signature in January.
According to reports from Fichajes, Manchester City may not have pursued their rivals for Arthur Vermeeren, but other top clubs continue to express interest in the Belgian midfielder. Barcelona is considered the frontrunner, but Arsenal is also willing to offer €20 million to acquire him in January.
Arthur Vermeeren emerged as Belgium’s next young star after an excellent season with Royal Antwerp. His youthfulness was evident, yet he played a pivotal role in helping the Jupiler Pro League team secure the league title.
He has maintained his place in the squad and has already featured in the Champions League, further enhancing his reputation. Several prominent clubs are vying to secure the 18-year-old Belgian midfielder’s services, with Arsenal being a primary contender.
Manchester City has been monitoring the young Belgian playmaker for some time and is now ready to offer €20 million in January, the asking price set by Antwerp. Mikel Arteta is enthusiastic about the prospect of working with the 18-year-old and is committed to nurturing young talents in his midfield.
While Declan Rice was acquired during the summer, solidifying one midfield position for years to come, talents like Charlie Patino are waiting for their opportunity.
While some may speculate that Vermeeren’s potential arrival could disrupt Patino’s development, there is room for both players to coexist in the future.
Arsenal has the opportunity to acquire a promising young player in the Belgian playmaker who has already demonstrated his abilities in the high-stakes environment of the Belgian league and the Champions League. Barcelona has also been in discussions with Vermeeren, at one point appearing as the favorites to sign him.
However, financial constraints in Barcelona make it challenging for them to meet the required transfer fee. Consequently, Arsenal is eager to secure Vermeeren’s services prior to the January transfer window.
During this transfer window, Arteta may explore options to strengthen his squad. However, Arteta would prefer to retain Jorginho until at least the summer.
He is open to integrating Vermeeren into his youthful squad, where the midfielder has the potential to forge a bright career and play a pivotal role in the team’s midfield.
Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with the player. Liverpool is in need of additional midfield players, and the 18-year-old Belgian is considered a viable long-term option. If Manchester United aims to succeed, they require a midfielder who can dictate the tempo and shape of the game in the heart of the pitch.
