Arsenal 'very close' to sealing Konstantinos Karetsas transfer in record deal

Arsenal have opened negotiations with Genk over a deal for their midfield starlet Konstantinos Karetsas, who has already been courted by some of Europe's top clubs

Arsenal are in talks with Genk over a transfer for Konstantinos Karetsas, with an agreement for the Greek midfield prodigy now 'very close', according to reports in his homeland.

Karetsas, 17, has already been linked with a whole host of Europe's elite since his senior breakthrough and can count Real Madrid among his many admirers. It seems that Arsenal, though, may have stolen a march on the competition as they bid to bring Karetsas to the Premier League.

According to reports in Greece, via the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, talks between Arsenal and Genk are underway. Furthermore, an agreement between the two clubs is said to be close with an overall package of £38million on the table.

The deal would see Karetsas be loaned back to Genk for the 2025-26 campaign before linking up with Arsenal in the future.

It would be a record for a Greek player if a deal is indeed finalised, breaking the record held by Kostas Manolas, following his move from Roma to Napoli for £30m back in 2019.

Despite his tender years, Karetsas has an array of admirers, some of whom have already tried to poach him from Genk without success. That includes Manchester City, who have invited the youngster to visit them on more than one occasion.

The player's father, Vaios, confirmed this in an interview with a Dutch newspaper, saying: "RB Leipzig, Milan and even Manchester City invited us several times to come and look; we didn't like it.

"The only team outside Genk where we had discussions was Ajax."

Karetsas has caught the eye in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League for Genk this season and also dazzled in Greece's 3-0 win over Scotland in March, where he scored his maiden senior international goal.

Arsenal are expected to be active in the summer transfer window and are also pursuing a deal for the Real Sociedad playmaker, Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to finally move to the Premier League pending a medical.

The Gunners also want an elite striker, although it is still unclear whether they plan to pursue a deal for Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko, both of whom are long-term targets.