Arsenal are reportedly interested in Greek ‘wonderkid’ Giannis Konstantelias, who has also caught the attention of Manchester City, with scouts set to watch him this month.

Standard's Merveille Bope Bokadi and Eupen's Giannis Konstantelias fight for the ball during a soccer match between KAS Eupen and Standard de Liege, Wednesday 26 January 2022 in Eupen, on day 24 of the 2021-2022 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Standard’s Merveille Bope Bokadi and Eupen’s Giannis Konstantelias fight for the ball during a soccer match between KAS Eupen and Standard de Liege, Wednesday 26 January 2022 in Eupen, on day 24 of the 2021-2022 ‘Jupiler Pro League’ first division of the Belgian championship. (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

As the January transfer window gets up a head of steam, Arsenal are being linked with more and more teenagers.

Giannis Konstantelias is the latest.

Currently under contract with PAOK Salinika in Greece, Konstantelias spent the second half of season on loan in Belgium with KAS Eupen where he played just 156 minutes.

Rated at around £10m and under contract until 2026, Konstantelias can play as either a midfielder or a forward, a versatility that will appeal to Arteta.

Of course, his old boss, Pepe Guardiola, is also said to be interested, as are Wolves, Leeds, Crystal Palace, PSV and Valencia.

Barcelona took him on trial when he was just 15 but they were unable to agree a fee to sign him permanently.

With Arsenal doing their best to sign Shakhtar winger, Mykhaylo Mudryk, it is believed that their interest in Konstantelias a backup plan in case they are unable to complete a deal for the Mudryk.

Former Greek players at Arsenal

 

There have been a number of Greek players who have played for Arsenal over the years. Some examples include:

Konstantinos Mavropanos: Mavropanos is a Greek defender who joined Arsenal in January 2018. He has made a handful of appearances for the club in all competitions.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos: Papastathopoulos is a Greek center-back who played for Arsenal from 2018 to 2020. He made over 50 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Stathis Tavlaridis: Tavlaridis was a Greek centre-back wo signed for Arsenal from Iraklis in 2002. He played eight times for the club in all competitions before being sent on loan to Portsmouth.