Ten Hag ready to rival Arsenal for wonderkid told to avoid Man Utd

James Shearman

• Updated: 27 Dec 2023 15:26 GMT
• 3 min read

Erik ten Hag wants to bring wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren to Manchester United, according to Dutch outlet Het Nieuwsblad.

Vermeeren is also reportedly a target of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, though it seems that United are now leading the race for his signature.

The 18-year-old is a promising central midfielder who has impressed on the Champions League stage for Royal Antwerp in the 2023-24 season.

He has been likened to Andres Iniesta for his creativity, registering six assists in this campaign so far.

Red Devils boss Ten Hag is said to be so convinced by the youngster that he would rather sign him than Sofyan Amrabat.

United have a €20 million option to turn his loan from Fiorentina into a permanent move.

But, they will opt to spend those funds on Vermeeren instead, offering €22m for his services.

Vermeeren urged to avoid Man Utd

Despite Man Utd's interest, Vermeeren has been told not to join Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Ex-Dutch international Jan Mulder told Belgian outlet HLN: "Manchester United? That's a snake pit. I wouldn't [go there], he would be better off staying at Antwerp. I see him in the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich!"

Fellow pundit Gilles De Bilde concurred: "[I see him] especially in a team that plays with possession of the ball. Look, last year we wondered if he could do it in the league. He did it. Then the question was what he could bring to the Champions League. Well, he has played his games. He never looked out of place. It is clear that he can handle the highest level."

"Will he stay at Antwerp? The reality in football today and certainly for a Belgian club is that if someone comes and puts €35 million on the table, you have to let him go. It's that simple."