Barcelona to miss out on 18-year-old starlet as Arsenal close in on January move

Belgian midfield starlet Arthur Vermeeren was revealed as one of shortlisted options for Barcelona last year, as they look for a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets. However it appears as if they will miss out on promising teenager.

As per Sport, Arsenal are closing in on a move for Vermeeren, and could even tie up the deal this January. The fee for Vermeeren would be around €15m, and with Barcelona unable to commit to much spending this January, they are all but out of the running for the 18-year-old.

Earning a place in the starting line-up last season for the title-winning Royal Antwerp side in Belgium, Vermeeren has impressed with his composure on the ball and his excellent ball-winning abilities. In particular, his statistical data stood out to scouts as some of the most efficient in Europe for his age.