Arsenal are reported to be in talks with Genk over a transfer for Konstantinos Karetsas, it has been claimed. The 17-year-old has been linked with a host of Europe’s elite following a breakthrough season in Belgium.
The 2007-born sensation made his first-team debut in May 2024 and has since established himself as a central figure for Genk, making 38 appearances across all competitions last term.
His performances have reportedly caught the eye of Real Madrid among other interested parties, while Arsenal are another and want to prize Karetsas to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
In fact, according to reports in Greece, via the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, talks between Arsenal and Genk are underway for the midfielder. Indeed, an agreement between the two clubs is thought to be close with an overall package of £38million on the table.
It’s added that the deal would see Karetsas be loaned back to Genk for the 2025/26 season before linking up with Arsenal in the future. It would be a record deal for a Greek player if a deal is finalised, breaking the record held by Kostas Manolas, who made the £30m move from Roma to Napoli in 2019.
football.london understands that Andrea Berta is working across multiple fronts and progressing talks across the market as a picture on who is coming in becomes clearer.
As well as wanting to strengthen their midfield, Arsenal are hoping to sign a No.9 before the end of the summer transfer window. Berta has identified Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as two potential candidates after both players impressed last season.
And according to talkSPORT, Arsenal are debating whether to bid for Gyokeres or Sesko, at this stage. Gunners sporting director Berta is taking his time about which option to prioritise.
Sesko has been tracked for longer and was close to signing for Arsenal last summer, while Gyokeres has emerged as a target following his fine form for Sporting over the last couple of years.
Speaking last month on Arsenal’s summer plans, Arteta hinted that the Gunners could be busy as they look to strengthen their squad. “It’s going to be a very exciting summer,” said Arteta.
“First of all, reviewing what we have done. Finding ways to increase the level of the team. Finding big margins where we can still develop our game model and our players, then putting those plans together, playing the pre-season.
“And then if we don’t have enough from that, then it’s about what do we need to recruit now to make the difference.”
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