All the details as Atlético Madrid confirm Arthur Vermeeren capture | OneFootball

La Liga giants Atlético Madrid have this evening announced the long-awaited signing of highly-regarded youngster Arthur Vermeeren.

The name of midfielder Vermeeren has of course taken its place front and centre in the Spanish media headlines across the week to date.

This comes after word was forthcoming that the Belgian international had been earmarked as the leading winter transfer target on the part of Diego Simeone and the Atlético brass.

Talks, in turn, were kicked into gear with Royal Antwerp, over the terms of a January deal.

And, as alluded to above, on Friday, precisely that has been struck.

As per an official statement across the website and social media platforms of the Colchoneros:

‘Arthur Vermeeren (7 February 2005, Lier, Belgium) is a new Atlético de Madrid player after the agreement reached with Antwerp for the transfer of the midfielder to our club, signing for the remainder of the season and six more seasons.’

A further insight into the terms of the deal, meanwhile, has since been provided by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

Atlético, for their part, have forked over an initial €18 million for Vermeeren, with a further €5 million having also been agreed upon with Royal Antwerp in potential bonuses.

The latter, in addition, have secured a 10% sell-on clause.

Conor Laird | GSFN