Arsenal now interested in £15m transfer to unlock new Declan Rice dimension

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Arsenal are now interested in the transfer of Royal Antwerp talent Arthur Vermeeren as Mikel Arteta bids to unlock the goal threat within Declan Rice at Emirates Stadium.

That is according to TEAMtalk, which claims that Arsenal have joined the race for Vermeeren beside several Premier League rivals. Brighton, Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham have all scouted the 18-year-old. Barcelona, too, appreciate what the Belgian has presented.

Vermeeren has emerged amongst Europe’s hottest rising stars after enjoying a breakthrough season last term. His defensive prowess has now alerted Arsenal as Arteta looks to free Rice from his deeper role. The Gunners believe Rice will soon start scoring and assisting regularly.

Arsenal now eye Vermeeren’s transfer to unlock Rice’s goal threat

Arsenal want to give Rice greater scope to move about the pitch as his influence at Emirates Stadium grows. Arteta does not feel the 24-year-old necessarily needs to sit in a deep-lying space when the Gunners dominate the ball. But he still wants to have a defensive midfielder.

So, Vermeeren’s rise has caught Arsenal’s interest as Royal Antwerp might accept only £15m for his transfer. He could also offer Arteta a potential option for years to come while Thomas Partey’s future is now often uncertain. Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are also 31 years old.

Gunners hero and Royal Antwerp chief Overmars loves Vermeeren

While TEAMtalk believes Royal Antwerp could sell Vermeeren for £15m, Arsenal would likely face a much higher asking price. Along with interest from several Premier League teams and Barcelona, he is also a potential target for AFC Ajax, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

Reports by HLN also note that Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United eyed a €30m (£26m) deal in the summer. Camp Nou chiefs viewed the Lier native as a successor to Sergio Busquets. So, it is extremely unlikely that Royal Antwerp would accept £15m for him.

Arsenal hero Marc Overmars is also now the technical director at Royal Antwerp and is a big fan of Vermeeren. The 1997/98 Premier League and FA Cup double-winning Gunners winger claims the teenager ‘is an example in everything’. He is also growing in confidence and skill.