Konstantinos Karetsas is attracting serious interest across Europe, but Arsenal have moved into pole position with a record-breaking offer and long-term plan.
Arsenal are nearing an agreement to sign Konstantinos Karetsas from Genk in a deal worth up to £38 million, according to reports in Greece, with the 17-year-old expected to remain in Belgium on loan for the 2025–26 season before arriving in north London.
The Athens-Macedonian News Agency reports that talks between Arsenal and Genk are now advanced, with only final details left to conclude what would be a record-breaking transfer for a Greek player.
If completed, the deal would surpass the previous benchmark set by Kostas Manolas, who moved from Roma to Napoli for £30 million in 2019.
Karetsas has long been tracked by some of Europe’s most powerful clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester City. City are understood to have hosted him at their training ground on more than one occasion, but it is Arsenal who appear to have acted most decisively.
Should the move be finalised as expected, Arsenal will loan Karetsas back to Genk for the coming campaign, allowing the midfielder to continue his development in a familiar environment while managing sporting considerations surrounding his age.
Karetsas has made waves in Belgian football as one of the most highly rated talents of his generation, already drawing comparisons to senior internationals for his vision, close control, and positional intelligence in midfield. His breakthrough at Genk has prompted a surge of interest, but it is Arsenal who now stand poised to secure the attacking midfielder’s signature.
There has been no official comment from either club, and Mikel Arteta has yet to address the reports, but in terms of fee, age, and competition, this would represent one of the boldest transfer investments Arsenal have made under their current management.