Arsenal have joined the growing list of elite European clubs tracking Lennart Karl, Bayern Munich’s 17-year-old attacking midfielder who has already broken multiple records in his first senior season.
Representatives from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City were present at Bayern’s recent matches, according to industry sources cited by CaughtOffside, as they monitor the progress of one of Europe’s most sought-after teenage prospects.
Serious approaches are expected to come in the summer of 2026.
Karl, born in February 2008, has been fast-tracked through Bayern’s system since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022. He made his professional debut at the Club World Cup in June and became Bayern’s youngest-ever Champions League scorer at 17 years and 242 days in a 4-0 win over Club Brugge.
Three days later, he scored his first Bundesliga goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach, capping a month that has drawn comparisons to Jamal Musiala.
Germany international Lothar Matthäus believes Karl has the talent and temperament to follow a similar trajectory. “The opportunities are always there, it’s up to the player himself and he needs a coach who trusts him,” Matthäus wrote in his Sky column. “I think that Kompany trusts him because of his recent performances and has no worries about putting a seasoned player on the bench or replacing him.”
Vincent Kompany has handed him nine appearances so far this season and praised his maturity and calm under pressure. “He has scored two goals in a row and is in good form. But when expectations are high, which is normal at Bayern, the secret is to be calm and keep working,” Kompany said. “If he does that, everything will be fine for Lenny.”
The teenager signed a contract extension in August running until 2028, which automatically converts to a long-term professional deal on his 18th birthday next February that will run until 2029.
That agreement contains no release clause, making any move more difficult.
Karl’s style, a left-footed creator capable of operating as a No.10 or right winger, has drawn favourable comparisons with Martin Ødegaard, and his blend of close control and creativity fits the profile Mikel Arteta has consistently sought in midfield recruits.
For now, Bayern are expected to resist any approach. But with Arsenal’s scouts continuing to monitor his development closely, Lennart Karl is certain to remain on their radar when the next transfer window opens.