All the details as Atlético Madrid beat Barcelona to Arthur Vermeeren deal

La Liga giants Atlético Madrid have this evening wrapped up a deal for one of European football’s most highly-regarded up-and-coming midfielders.

The player in question? Arthur Vermeeren.

The name of youngster Vermeeren has of course taken its place centre stage in the Spanish media headlines across the month to date.

This comes after word was forthcoming that two of La Liga’s biggest clubs – namely Barcelona and the aforementioned Atlético – had set their sights on the signature of the Royal Antwerp man.

Only one, though, could ultimately emerge triumphant in the race for Vermeeren, with Diego Simeone’s Atléti, on Tuesday, have managed precisely that.

As confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the board at the Wanda Metropolitano have reached an agreement with their counterparts in Antwerp, over the terms of a transfer worth in excess of €25 million.

It has since been added that the fixed fee for Vermeeren will come in around the €22 million mark, with further bonuses potentially set to push Atlético’s outlay beyond €25 million.

Royal Antwerp, meanwhile, have secured a sell-on clause as part of the deal, too.

The final details of Vermeeren’s contract are now being discussed with the Belgian international, ahead of him putting pen to paper on terms in Madrid at some point later this week.

Conor Laird | GSFN