Atletico Madrid finalising deal for Barcelona and Arsenal target Arthur Vermeeren
Atletico Madrid are putting the finishing touches on a deal to bring Arthur Vermeeren in from Royal Antwerp. The 18-year-old midfielder is one of the most highly rated talents in Europe, but Los Rojiblancos have put money on the table before anyone else.
Vermeeren arrived in Madrid on Thursday, and is set to be in the stands for their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash with Sevilla. The clubs have already agreed a €22m deal that could rise by a further €5m in variables.
A deal is not quite done between the player and the club, but it appears things are moving towards an agreement. With just the final details to be settled, the word is that it will be closed on Friday, with Vermeeren signing a five-and-a-half year deal at the Metropolitano.
Diego Simeone has been asking for a pivot since the summer, and while Vermeeren is perhaps not a natural fit for that role on his own, he can play in a two. More likely, Los Colchoneros see him as a potential long-term replacement for captain Koke Resurreccion, who is now 32.
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