Konstantinos Karetsas has been impressing with GenkKonstantinos Karetsas has been impressing with Genk
Konstantinos Karetsas has been impressing with Genk | Belga/AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal may have found an alternative to reported target Sverre Halseth Nypan.
Arsenal are said to have discovered an alternative to Sverre Halseth Nypan, albeit a more pricey one. The Gunners are on the lookout for more quality and depth this summer as they look to go one better than recent campaigns.
The Gunners went into last summer adding the final pieces of quality to their squad, but after a campaign that did not work out as planned, they find themselves with a much bigger job going into this summer window. After sales aplenty last summer and the departures of Jorginho and Kieran Tierney at the end of their contracts, Arsenal are now sorely lacking in depth.
Injuries last season showed how poor depth can unravel a title bid, and one could argue that the Gunners need depth in pretty much every position, even at goalkeeper. One of the positions in need of depth is attacking midfield, with Arsenal having struggled in the absence of Martin Odegaard through injury in the first part of last season.
Arsenal do have Leandro Trossard on board, but the Belgian cannot offer the level of creativity that Odegaard can, and not even close enough. Rosenborg star Nypan was being linked with a move to Arsenal, but Aston Villa have stepped in, and while their deal is reportedly in doubt, it seems Arsenal are looking elsewhere.
According to Greek outlet AMNA, Arsenal are interested in a deal for Genk star Konstantinos Karetsas, who is said to be worth £38million. The 17-year-old talent has made 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring three and assisting four.
The report claims Arsenal ‘very close to an agreement’ that will also have goal and appearance bonuses built in. The fee would make the youngster the most expensive Greek signing of all time, but it would not be one the Gunners benefit from immediately. The report claims Arsenal are negotiating with Genk to send the player back to his current club on loan to ensure he continues developing with regular game time in the near future.
Bayern Munich and other clubs have also been linked with a move, but the report claims the Gunners are ‘taking the lead’ in negotiations, now closing in on a deal.
Arteta on break
Arteta will have had a big say in Arsenal’s transfer direction, with a special 10-day early window already open, but Andrea Berta is currently leading negotiations while the Arsenal boss recharges his batteries.
Asked at the end of the season if he would be checking his phone during his holiday, the Spaniard replied: “If my wife allows it, yes but I’m not sure! I think I need some time because I have learned over the last few summers how you can get drawn into that. We have some great people, I fully trust them, I think it's very clear what we have to do. I will be available 24/7 wherever I am, they know that, but as well, I think we need to reset.
“I think it's been an extremely demanding season because emotionally to handle the team, to handle the club's expectations with everything that happened, it's been tough. So, I think as well to get the best version of ourselves next season is going to have to be a period where we have to disconnect and recharge those batteries.”
Continue Reading