Arsenal lead Barcelona in race to sign 18-year-old wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren, who could cost £17m in January

Arsenal want to sign Barcelona target Arthur Vermeeren, and have reportedly moved ahead of the Catalans in the race to sign him next summer.

According to several reports, Barcelona plans to sign a new pivot next summer, preferably a younger player who can serve as Oriol Romeu's natural replacement. The Belgian, who is now playing for Royal Antwerp, is on their list but they will face fierce competition from other clubs including Arsenal. As per SPORT, the Gunners are currently heading the race for the midfielder's signature.

It's thought that the Premier League team could sign the Belgian for as little as €20 million (£17m). If Barcelona's financial condition improves in the upcoming months, they could be able to match this, although it's thought that they've shifted their focus more towards Gabriel Moscardo, who plays for Corinthians and is just 18.

Vermeeren is currently with the Belgian national team and made his official debut for the team during their 3-2 win over Austria in the Euro qualifiers and will next be in action against Sweden on Monday, October 16.