Chelsea are weighing up a move for Genk attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas, according to reports.
The Greek international has been nicknamed the “mini-Odegaard” in some sections of the media due to the similarities in his game to Arsenal’s captain.
In fact, TEAMtalk claim that the Gunners and Liverpool could provide competition for Enzo Maresca’s side in the battle for Karetsas’s signature.
However, it does appear as if the Blues are “looking to beat” their rivals by making an early move for the 18-year-old.
What do fans need to know about Karetsas?
The teenager was actually born in Genk to Greek parents, and he came through the local clubs’ youth ranks
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Karetsas made his first-team debut against Cercle Brugge on May 4th 2024, and he has gone to to make 70 appearances in all competitions for Genk.
He is an attacking midfielder by trade, although he can be deployed off the right flank if needed, cutting in from the wing onto his stronger left foot.
Karetsas has had a breakout campaign, having scored 2 goals and provided 10 assists in 27 appearances, so it isn’t a surprise whatsoever that Chelsea have been keeping close tabs on his progress. It is expected that his asking price will be close to £40m.
Chelsea have had success signing players from Genk in the past
Both Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois also played for the Belgian club before making moves to Stamford Bridge.
Of course, De Bruyne did not make his breakthrough at Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho shipping him out to Wolfsburg before he then made his name at Manchester City.
Courtois, meanwhile, was initially loaned out to Atletico Madrid before replacing Petr Cech as Chelsea’s No.1. He was subsequently sold to Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 for £35m.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here