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West Ham United in hunt to sign Belgian sensation Arthur Vermeeren from Royal Antwerp
West Ham are in the hunt to sign Belgian sensation Arthur Vermeeren from Royal Antwerp, but face competition from Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish news outlet shared via their website on 15 September that the Hammers had scouts watching Vermeeren during Antwerp’s clash with Gent on 7 January and have been monitoring his progress.
It is reported that Barcelona have been keen on bringing the 18-year-old to the Nou Camp since last season, as he contributed heavily to his club’s league and cup double-winning campaign.
An exciting option for the Hammers
The fact that Vermeeren is being targeted by some of Europe’s top clubs, including one of the biggest in the world Barcelona and a side with such a rich history of player development in Dortmund is a very good sign and shows how much of a coup this would be if West Ham can pull it off.
At just 18 years old, Vermeeren already has 48 senior appearances for Antwerp, scoring two goals and providing three assists in that time. Last season was his breakout, with 20 Juliper Pro League appearances coming in 2022/23 as Antwerp won the Belgian League and Cup double.
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This deal would align with a new directive at West Ham to invest in young talent for the future rather than spending heavily on players who will only spend two or three years with the club before they either move on or become less effective.
Tim Steidten was hired as the new technical director over the summer, with his knowledge of European leagues a key reason behind the decision, and this deal certainly seems like one he would be looking at.
In other West Ham news, Declan Rice has paved the way for West Ham youngsters after his recent nomination.