Arsenal are ready to rival Barcelona for Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren.

Barca have asked Antwerp to be kept up to date on the youngster's situation.

However, Sport says the Gunners are also in contact and scouting the teenage Belgian.

Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld said of his Antwerp teammate: "He arrived in the team by force of circumstance, but since then he has learned very quickly. He reads the game very well, his potential is enormous.

"Have I seen this before? Rarely, I think."