Arsenal, Barcelona or Man Utd - Which club would suit Arthur Vermeeren best?

Updated: 13 Oct 2023 21:53 BST
4 min read

Arthur Vermeeren, Royal Antwerp — © ProShots

Arthur Vermeeren is one of the hottest prospects in European football right now, with virtually every elite club monitoring his progress at Royal Antwerp.

The 18-year-old has already made 49 appearances for Antwerp’s senior side and played a key role in their title win last season.

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His breakthrough into senior football has attracted interest from a host of sides across the continent.

In total, 10 clubs have been linked with a move for Vermeeren, with every one of them keeping tabs on his performances for Royal Antwerp.

Barcelona have held interest in the Belgian for the longest, with Xavi understood to be a huge admirer of the teenage midfielder.

Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United and West Ham are the five Premier League clubs to have reportedly expressed interest in Vermeeren, with the first three contacting Antwerp to inform them of their desire to sign the 18-year-old.

Who should Vermeeren join?

Vermeeren typically operates in a midfield three, with his press-resistance, ability on the ball and his football IQ all catching the eye during his senior career so far.

As a result, transfer interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs is no surprise. But, which club should Vermeeren join if he does leave Royal Antwerp?

FootballTransfers’ data analytics partner SciSports have a ‘Career Advice Tool’ which uses an AI-driven algorithm and takes several different factors into account to determine the best club for any given player.

For Vermeeren, Bayern Munich would be his best destination. The Bavarians are in need of a midfielder, as seen by their failed summer pursuits of Joao Palhinha and Scott McTominay, and the Belgian would fill that void.

Lyon also profile as a great next step for Vermeeren, with their devotion to promoting youth seen by the recent departures of academy products Malo Gusto, Bradley Barcola and Castello Lukeba.

The five best transfer destinations for Arthur Vermeeren

Club	Club Fit Score
1. Bayern Munich	82
2. Lyon	81
3. Rennes	77
4. PSV	76
5. Newcastle	76

While Bayern and Lyon are ranked as Vermeeren’s first and second best transfer options, neither club have expressed their interest in the Belgian youngster.

Of the clubs that are keen on signing Vermeeren, according to reports, Barcelona and Tottenham would be his best destinations, as per SciSports’ Club Fit Score. The Blaugrana also lead the way in the actual race to sign him.