Konstantinos Karetsas
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of completing a €45 million (£37.8m) deal to sign highly-rated Genk attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas, according to Greek news agency AMNA.
The 17-year-old, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, has enjoyed a breakout season with Genk, registering three goals and four assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. His performances have caught the eye of top clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Liverpool, Juventus, and Newcastle United.
Karetsas also made headlines after winning the Belgium Pro League Goal of the Season for a stunning long-range strike against Gent. Born in Belgium to Greek parents, the teenager initially represented Belgium at youth level before switching allegiance to Greece. He made his senior debut for the Greek national team in March and went on to score in a 3-0 win over Scotland, becoming the country’s youngest-ever goalscorer at 17 years, four months, and four days.
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According toAMNA, Arsenal are now “very close” to reaching an agreement with Genk, with the proposed deal expected to include a loan-back arrangement that would allow Karetsas to remain in Belgium for another season before joining Mikel Arteta’s squad in the summer of 2026.
Konstantinos Karetsas
Konstantinos Karetsas (Image credit: Getty Images)
Genk head coach Thorsten Fink praised the youngster earlier this season but urged caution over the growing hype. “He scored a beautiful goal indeed,” said Fink. “That is his quality—he only needs one situation to score. But there is still a lot to improve. I hope you see that too.”
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Karetsas signed a contract extension with Genk in November, committing to the club until 2027. At the time, he expressed his desire to continue developing at his boyhood club.
“Genk is my home. I feel a lot of trust from the club,” Karetsas said. “This is the best environment for me to keep growing, close to my family. I want to win trophies with KRC Genk and compete in Europe.”
Should the deal go through, Karetsas would become one of the most expensive teenage signings in Arsenal’s history.
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