Who is Arthur Vermeeren? Profiling the 'next Andres Iniesta' as Arsenal 'close in' on £13m transfer

Royal Antwerp starlet Arthur Vermeeren could be on his way to Arsenal in the January transfer window if recent reports are to be believed. Vermeeren has established himself as one of Europe's hottest midfield prospects in recent teams, helping Antwerp win the Belgian Pro League last season.

Now, Sport have claimed that the Gunners could pay around £13.1million for the talented teenager, with the north London outfit 'closing in' on a deal. It remains to be seen if a move will materialise in the New Year.

So with all of that being said, football.london has taken a closer look at who the player is, his profile and what he could bring to the Emirates Stadium below.

Aged just 18, Vermeeren is a talented central midfielder born in Lier, Belgium.

Vermeeren has come through the ranks of Antwerp's academy before making his first-team debut a little over a year ago — featuring in a UEFA Europa Conference League clash against Lillestrom SK back in August 2022. He was just 17 years old at the time.

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Vermeeren is a cross between a traditional holding midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder, a little similar to Arsenal club-record signing Declan Rice in that respect. The talented youngster is extremely capable in possession, always looking for a pass forward.

He is adept at progressing the ball between the lines and can be quite creative when given the chance to roam forward. In fact, he has already registered two assists in his first two UEFA Champions League appearances, setting up two goals against Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this month.

Despite being a