Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona leading the chase for outstanding Bundesliga youngster wanted across Europe
Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona are set to battle to sign highly-rated VfL Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van de Ven this summer, according to reports.
The 21-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga this term and is touted to become a top player in the future, so would represent an excellent long-term investment for one of the trio.
Van de Ven has already become a regular for the Netherlands under-21 national team and is knocking on the door of the first-team squad too, so there is no doubting his quality.
The defender has already established himself as a regular in Wolfsburg’s starting XI, making 28 appearances so far this season, helping his side to 10 clean sheets in the process.
Van de Ven was recently rewarded for his performances with a new contract at the German Club, extending his stay in the Bundesliga until 2027.
However, that has not put Arsenal, Liverpool or Barcelona off, with a bid of €30m (approx. £26.2m) believed to be required to acquire his services for next season.
For a young, pacy centre-back with huge potential, Van de Ven could actually prove to be a bargain at that cost.
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No shortage of interest in Van de Ven
According to reputed journalist Christian Falk, Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona are just some of the top European clubs vying for the youngster’s signature this summer.
Writing for CaughtOffside, he said: “The player himself has said he has no problem with staying another year but has also mentioned he’s open for a switch to Spain and the Premier League. So he’s already thinking about his future.
“Many clubs are scouting him at the moment, it’s a really long list; Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma, AC Milan… so you see, he’s a very attractive option.
“It’s not the case that he feels he has to leave this summer but I think if he keeps up the quality of his performances this season, next summer one of these clubs will be prepared to pay what Wolfsburg are looking for.”
Indeed, with all those clubs circling, it seems very likely that at least one will meet Wolfsburg’s £26.2m price tag this summer.
Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp certainly seem to be focusing on bringing in young talent at the moment, so it’s no surprise to see the Gunners and the Reds interested in Van de Ven.
Arsenal have shown this season that young defenders can be very effective in the Premier League, with William Saliba shining for the Premier League leaders. With that in mind, Van de Ven could prove to be another top long-term addition.
On the other hand, Van de Ven could arguably make an excellent centre-bac partner for fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top for his signature.
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