FC Barcelona will have a chance to directly see one of the players they have been following for around a year tonight as the club faces the Belgian side, Royal Antwerp.
As already reported here, the Catalans are interested in Arthur Vermeeren, an 18-year-old midfielder who has been racking up impressive appearances with the Belgian side.
Vermeeren valued at €20 million
Barcelona have already scouted him three times in recent weeks, and the club is strongly considering a bid for him, although a final decision is yet to be made. The Catalans are receiving positive reports in regard to the player, but it is still very early to make a formal approach for him.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Antwerp believes that the midfielder is in high demand in the current market, and their technical secretariat values the player at around €20 million.
However, other clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, are also interested in the player. While the current €20 million is affordable for Barcelona, the Catalans would not want to go into an auction for the player.
A key player for Antwerp
Vermeeren has developed a lot during the last few seasons at Royal Antwerp. He is now a key player for the former Barcelona midfielder Mark van Bommel, who now coaches the Belgian side and confesses:
“It’s possible to sell players for high prices in the short term. There are players who want to keep growing, and you have to let them go.”
Barcelona will get a chance to experience the skills and game of the midfielder as they line up against Antwerp tonight. Vermeeren has already played six games for the visiting side and made 26 Belgian Pro League appearances last season. He would definitely be an influencing factor for Antwerp in tonight’s match.
