Transfer Centre

Tottenham Hotspur 'step up interest in Royal Antwerp's Arthur Vermeeren'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 27 December 2023

Tottenham 'step up interest in Royal Antwerp's Vermeeren'

Tottenham Hotspur hope to complete a deal for Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren during the January market, according to a report.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly hoping to complete a deal for Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren during the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old has been a vital player for his Belgian club during the 2023-24 campaign, making 31 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and registering six assists in the process.

Vermeeren made a huge impression in the group stage of the Champions League, scoring once and providing two assists in six appearances, including a goal against Barcelona on December 13, with Antwerp recording a famous 3-2 win over the La Liga champions.

Already a two-time Belgium international, the teenager is believed to be wanted by a host of the world's biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United.

According to The Sun, there is also huge interest from Tottenham, and the North London club are hoping to secure his signature when the winter window opens for business.

Royal Antwerp's Arthur Vermeeren celebrates scoring against Barcelona on December 13, 2023 © Reuters

The report claims that Ange Postecoglou's side are willing to pay £25m for him at the start of 2024 and believe that the fee would be enough to convince Antwerp to sell.

Tottenham would allegedly be willing to loan Vermeeren back to his Belgian side for the rest of the campaign, and they are believed to now be at the head of the queue for his signature.

Vermeeren came through the youth system at Antwerp before making his debut in August 2022, and he has now represented the club on 65 occasions, scoring three times and registering eight assists in the process.

The midfielder has featured 20 times in Belgium's top flight this season, scoring once and providing three assists, with Antwerp sixth in the table on 32 points.

Barcelona's Gavi in action with Royal Antwerp's Arthur Vermeeren on September 19, 2023 © Reuters

Vermeeren has won the Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup during his time in the first team, and he has a contract with his current side until June 2026.

However, there is thought to be a strong chance that he will move on next year due to the list of clubs showing an interest in his services.

"Arthur is a smart footballer, a fun guy to work with. He is eager to learn and show he can play. So he will get some playing time. He enjoyed it, I think. It's nice to see," Antwerp head coach Mark van Bommel told reporters in 2022 after handing the youngster his debut.

Vermeeren is also widely expected to be in the Belgium squad for next summer's European Championship, having broke into the senior side towards the end of this year, debuting against Austria on October 13.