Arthur Vermeeren responds to Barcelona, Premier League speculation

Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren has opened up on the speculation surrounding his future, as a number of the world's biggest clubs seemingly battle for his signature.

The 18-year-old has been in strong form for his Belgian club during the 2023-24 campaign, making 31 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and six assists in the process.

Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal are all believed to be keen on the Belgium international, while a recent report claimed that Tottenham Hotspur were lining up a January move.

Vermeeren has ruled out a mid-season departure amid suggestions of a £25m bid from Spurs, but the teenager has suggested that he could soon be ready to make the next step in his career.

"Yes (aware of the transfer speculation). Then you get the articles forwarded or my brothers will come with it. The youngest [14-year-old Caesar] in particular is always very enthusiastic. He reads everything and believes everything immediately," he told Het Nieuwsblad.

"Maybe that's normal at that age. But then I tell him that not everything that appears in the newspapers or online is true. All I know is if my lawyers haven't told me about it, it won't be concrete yet.

"In football, you never know. I would like to stay at this club for the rest of my life. Of course, you want to take it a step further but it is difficult to say when that will be possible. The puzzle must fit together.

"There are so many scenarios to take into account because, suppose you sign somewhere and are loaned out, but then the coach leaves... Then you suddenly find yourself with another coach who may not want you.

"We'll see what happens. But I want to finish the season here anyway. I definitely think about things like that (moving to a top European league).

"Germany is very good for your physical health. Serie A, that's more tactics. In Spain it's all about footballing ability, in England it's about intensity... but there is no competition yet that I really prefer. It mainly depends on the teams."

Vermeeren has scored once and provided three assists in 20 league appearances for his Belgian club during the 2023-24 campaign.

The teenager also impressed for Antwerp in the group stage of the Champions League, scoring once and providing two assists in six appearances.

Vermeeren has a contract with his current team until June 2026, but it is widely thought that he will leave the reigning Belgian Pro League champions during next summer's transfer window.

The midfielder has featured on 65 occasions for the Reds in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering eight assists in the process.

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