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Red Star Belgrade have rejected an “offer” from Arsenal for attacking midfielder Vasilije Kostov, according to reports in the Italian media.
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Calciomercato.it claim that the Gunners have shown a “very strong” interest, but a bid worth around €20m (£17m) was not accepted.
Kostov is 17 years of age, so he isn’t currently eligible to make the switch to the UK, but he will be by the time the next transfer window opens.
The Serbian’s birthday is in May, meaning he will be able to secure a work visa before any deal is finalised this summer, but no agreement between Red Star and Arsenal has been reached. Buy an Arsenal match ball from the official store here.
What do fans need to know about Kostov?
The midfielder has already been labelled the “Serbian Pedri” by some in the media, with many drawing comparisons between him and the Barcelona star.
Kostov is usually deployed as a no.10, but he can play in deeper-lying positions or wide on the right.
The teenager came to the attention of scouts after scoring a Panenka penalty in a UEFA Youth League game against Barcelona last season. He subsequently went on to make his first team debut.
This campaign, Kostov has racked up 12 goals and 6 assists in 33 appearances, and he was handed his first senior cap by Serbia against Albania in a World Cup qualifier back in October.
Arsenal will have competition to sign the player
Calciomercato.it claim that Inter Milan are hoping to use a close connection to win the race for Kostov. His agent is Nikola Kolarov, who is the brother of their assistant manager Aleksandar.
Juventus and Bayern Munich are also said to be keen on the youngster, so there is a fierce battle ensuing to secure his signature.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here