Arsenal meet with camp of Bayer Leverkusen 18yo

Arsenal are among the clubs showing interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic, according to a report.

Kerim Alajbegovic of FC Salzburg looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Salzburg and FC Basel 1893 at Stadion Salzburg on January 22, 2026 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Jasmin Walter/Getty Images) — Photo by Jasmin Walter/Getty Images

Simon Jones reports for the Daily Mail that Arsenal are one of the clubs keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen teenager Kerim Alajbegovic ahead of the summer transfer window.

Leverkusen had sold Alajbegovic to RB Salzburg just last year, but after a positive season in Austria, the German club opted to take up their buy-back option for £7m.

Since then, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Leeds United have all met with the player’s camp, as well as Serie A sides, Napoli, AS Roma, and Inter Milan.

Kerim Alajbegovic of Red Bull Salzburg runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between FC Salzburg and FC Porto at Stadion Salzburg on September 25, 2025 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images) — Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images

Though Leverkusen are keen to keep him, interested clubs are reportedly already talking about bidding close to £18m, more than double what the German club paid to buy him back.

More talks are expected in the coming weeks, though Leverkusen might hope to use the World Cup to further boost a potential transfer fee for Alajbegovic, as he’ll be in the Bosnia & Herzegovina squad for the tournament.

Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia & Herzegovina celebrates the victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) — Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images

Alajbegovic scored 13 goals and assisted four in his 44 appearances for Salzburg in 2025/26, notching a direct goal contribution every 158 minutes from his position on the wings.

The 18-year-old can play on either side, and though he’s primarily right-footed, he is very confident on both feet. He has often been described as a “two-footed” player.

Arsenal are definitely in the market for wingers this summer, and they seem to take particular interest in younger players with high potential. So it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the club making a bid for the World Cup-bound teenager.

Arsenal revive interest in Kroupi ahead of January window
Arsenal are reportedly ready to revive their interest in Eli Junior Kroupi, but Bournemouth are reluctant to sell the forward during the January window.
Mikel Arteta’s Unstoppable Red Machine
Arsenal’s away record tells the story of a side transformed under Mikel Arteta, with Anfield providing the latest evidence of a harder, more ruthless team.
Former Arsenal youngster’s star wanes as goalscoring dries up
Former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth is struggling for minutes at Monaco after his explosive start in France, with his future now increasingly uncertain.
Arsenal manager and players up for Premier League monthly awards
Recognition has followed Arsenal’s perfect October, with three key figures now in the running for Premier League awards.
Arsenal v Hull VAR is unwelcome appointment
Michael Oliver will be on VAR for Arsenal against Hull City, an appointment likely to revive memories of some of his most controversial Gunners decisions.