Arsenal has opened negotiations with Genk about a deal for their midfield ships Konstantinos Karetsas, who has already been praised by some of Europe's top clubs
Arsenal is talking to Genk about a transfer for Konstantinos Karetsas, with an agreement for the Greek midfield wonder now 'very close', according to reports in his home country.
Karetsas, 17, has already been associated with a whole series of European elite since his senior breakthrough and can count Real Madrid to his many admirers. However, it seems that Arsenal has stolen a march about the competition because they offer to bring Karetsas to the Premier League.
According to reports in Greece, there are conversations between Arsenal and Genk via the Athens Macedonian News Agency. Moreover, an agreement between the two clubs would be in the area with a general package of £ 38 million on the table.
In the deal, Karetsas would be borrowed from the Genk for the 2025-26 campaign before being connected to Arsenal in the future.
It would be a record for a Greek player if a deal is indeed completed and breaking the record of Kostas Manolas, after his move from Roma to Napoli for £ 30 million in 2019.
Despite his tender years, Karetsas has a range of admirers, some of whom have already tried to poach him from Genk without success. This includes Manchester City, who invited the young person to visit them more than once.
The father of the player, Vaios, confirmed this in an interview with a Dutch newspaper and said: “RB Leipzig, Milan and even Manchester City invited us several times to come and watch; we didn't like it.
“The only team outside of Genk where we had discussions was Ajax.”
This season, Karetsas has attracted attention in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League for Genk and also blinded in the 3-0 victory of Greece in Scotland in March, where he scored his first senior international goal.
Arsenal is expected to be active in the summer transfer window and also pursue a deal for the real Sociedad game maker, Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to finally move to the Premier League pending a medical one.
The Gunners also want an elite striker, although it is still unclear whether they are planning to follow a deal for Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko, both of which are long-term goals.