BREAKING NEWS: Mikel Arteta has made this wonderkid 18-year-old player his top priority

Arsenal are close to signing 18-year-old wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren, who won the league and cup with Royal Antwerp last season, though Barcelona is also interested.

Arsenal has made a’step forward’ in their pursuit of Belgian wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren, who has been compared to Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Last season, the 18-year-old made his senior debut, assisting Royal Antwerp to a Belgian league and cup double. His performances earned him a call-up to the Belgian senior team, which drew interest from a number of top clubs.

Barcelona and Arsenal are two of those clubs, and both have prioritized signing young stars in recent years. Barca appeared to be the frontrunner in the chase for Vermeeren, who signed a new three-year contract with Antwerp in February.

However, according to the Spanish newspaper Sport, the Gunners have now taken the lead. The Premier League title contenders are said to have taken a’step forward’ with the Belgian on their shortlist.

Mikel Arteta, the manager, is eager to improve his options in midfield, which has been a source of concern this season. Though Vermeeren is regarded as a “risky option,” Arsenal officials are said to be confident he can adapt to their squad.

Vermeeren is expected to leave Belgium in either January or next summer. The player himself, however, appears to be ready to move on to a bigger club after establishing himself as a key player for Antwerp.

They do face competition from Barca though, with the La Liga champions having added him to a shortlist of their own. Though he is not a priority for boss Xavi, the 18-year-old is seen as being an ‘interesting posibility’.

Both Barcelona and Arsenal are considering activating a release clause worth around £13 million. He has been watched by Barcelona for some time and is thought to be ideal for the club’s style.

He has the support of those closest to him, with Antwerp sporting director Marc Overmars comparing him to Barcelona legends Xavi and Iniesta. His words will be heard at the Emirates as well, as Overmars was a successful player for the Gunners.