Adam Maher: Is drawing admiring glances from England

The Gunners are among those said to be keen on the highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder.

Manchester City have also been linked with the talented playmaker, with the youngster having made rapid progress this season.

Alkmaar are aware that a deal is likely to be done sooner rather than later, with it difficult for Dutch clubs to keep prized assets out of the clutches of a rival once their promise is noted.

Verbeek is hoping Maher will see out the season in the Eredivise, but concedes that he would prefer to do business with Arsenal if a transfer is to be pushed through.

He told Studio Voetbal: "I think Arsenal is a perfect club for him. With Arsene Wenger, who worked with young talents like him before.

"He can get the most out of himself at Arsenal. Look at Robin van Persie, he joined Arsenal at a young age and look what he achieved."