Arsenal and Man Utd given surprise transfer update on Moises Caicedo clone

Tom Weber

• Updated: 22 Jan 2024 15:27 GMT
• 8 min read

Atletico Madrid have barged into the race to sign Arthur Vermeeren, according to Spanish media and Fabrizio Romano.

The Belgian wonderkid is one of Europe's most sought-after commodities, having already made his bow for his country's senior national team and regularly impressed at Royal Antwerp, with whom he won the Jupiler Pro League last term.

The youngster's showings, which have been reminiscent of none other than the Premier League's record transfer Moises Caicedo of Chelsea, have aroused the attention of the European elite. The holding midfielder plays with a swagger and confidence well beyond his tender 18 years of age.

The likes of Barcelona, Arsenal and Man Utd have been frequently associated with the teenager, though he has been advised to avoid the 'snake pit' that is Old Trafford. Now, however, it seems that another club is trying to steal a march on the competition.

Atleti open Vermeeren talks

According to Matteo Moretto of Relevo, Atletico Madrid have begun taking a keen interest in Vermeeren and have already initiated talks with Antwerp to explore the viability of a deal.

Moretto's reporting has been backed up by Fabrizio Romano, who stressed that the Madrid giants aren't the only side keen on the youngster's signature. Just how advanced talks are at this stage is not yet known, however.

It is also not yet clear what kind of fee Vermeeren will command. His current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at a whopping €40 million, having spectacularly risen to this figure from €400,000 in the space of just 12 months.

It is expected that the midfielder will shatter the current Belgian transfer record of €36.5m. “If we sell it, it will definitely be at the right price. We’ll see whether he becomes the most expensive outgoing transfer in Belgium ever,” Antwerp CEO Sven Jacques told HLN in December.