Casemiro’s replacement! Arsenal stand between Man Utd and wonderkid they must sign
Robin Bairner
- 4 Nov 2023 11:10 GMT
- 4 min read
Manchester United could take their first step into their new era during the January transfer window by lining up Arthur Vermeeren as a long-term replacement for the ailing Casemiro.
The Red Devils face competition from Arsenal and Barcelona, but given the financial problems of the Spaniards, it is really only the Gunners who they would need to be concerned about regarding the promising Belgium star, who is shining with Royel Antwerp at present.
United have been justly criticised for lacking long-term vision, but adding the 18-year-old to Erik ten Hag’s squad would be a step in the correct direction, particularly with Casemiro experiencing an alarming drop off in terms of his form and fitness over the past six months.
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The Brazil international misses Saturday’s match against Fulham because of injury – adding to a remarkable list that Ten Hag is battling with – and faces several more weeks on the sidelines. For the moment, Man Utd have to make do, but in January they can work to add quality to their squad.
Data analytics experts SciSport show that Vermeeren is the closest thing to Casemiro that United are likely to be able to sign in January, with Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni the only players bearing a more striking resemblance to the South American’s playing style in the 16-24 age bracket.
Vermeeren, meanwhile, may not be at the level of either of these players currently, but he has the potential to attain that standard.
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Vermeeren's transfer value over time
Vermeeren can become better than Mac Allister and Rice
Based on SciSports’ estimations, Vermeeren has a ceiling similar to that of Tchouameni and above alternatives such as big-money summer transfers Alexis Mac Allister, Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia, who moved to Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea respectively.
Interestingly, the Belgium international is also thought to have the capacity to outperform Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure and Boubacar Kamara of Aston Villa, who are both players United could plausibly try for in the near future.
Indeed, based on potential compared to the current Man Utd squad, the teenager could one day become the Red Devils’ best player.
Now is, therefore, the time for Ten Hag to strike, although the prospect that another leading talent will join a Premier League rival, this time in the form of Arsenal, is all too likely, with the Gunners seemingly ahead in the race to land the starlet at this point.
