A deal is on the horizon for Vasilije Kostov to join Arsenal for a fee that could reach €20m when including add-ons, according to a report from Serbia.
Serbian outlet Sportinjo report that Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have been leading the charge for the signing of Vasilije Kostov, but the Gunners are now the ones on the verge of an agreement.
According to Sportinjo’s source, Arsenal are closing in on a deal worth an initial €12m (£10.4m), but with add-ons that could bring the transfer as high as €20m (£17.3m).
There are still details to be worked out, but Kostov’s current club FK Crvena Zvezda want to cash in to a good club in a strong league, to boost both their finances and their image. The player also wants a move to a big club, according to the same report.
Sportinjo conclude that a deal could be finalised soon, with the only thing likely to stop it being a bigger offer from another club at the last minute.
Reports linking Arsenal to Kostov have been circulating for the last few months, following claims that the Gunners had sent scouts to watch him in a match against Malmo.
The 17-year-old has 14 goals and seven assists in 42 matches for Red Star this season, notching a goal contribution once every 139 minutes.
The youngster’s biggest moment so far was probably his equaliser away to FC Porto in October, and he also scored in that Malmo game Arsenal scouts attended.
But Kostov’s domestic exploits have also been impressive, with a six-game run of goals and assists in February and March helping drive his side on to the league title.
Away from club football, Kostov also made his senior debut for Serbia in October, coming on against Albania. He returned to the u19s with a goal in November, but was then back in the senior squad again in March.
With Serbia narrowly missing out on the World Cup play-offs, Kostov won’t have the distraction of the final tournament this summer. If Arsenal really are interested, they should have plenty of time to get a deal done.
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