DEAL COMPLETED: Deal completed between all parties as £55m superstar has given final Greenlight to join, Club set to receive £45 fixed fee plus add-ons up to £5m package – player will fly to London today as Medical booked

DEAL COMPLETED: Deal completed between all parties as £55m superstar has given final Greenlight to join, Club set to receive £45 fixed fee plus add-ons up to £5m package – player will fly to London today as Medical booked

Arsenal are in talks to sign 17-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas from Belgian club Gent, as per reports from the AMNA news agency.

The highly-rated midfielder has gained a reputation as one of the most exciting young prospects in European football. Several elite clubs have followed his progress closely.

Karetsas enjoyed a breakthrough year in Belgium, having made his senior debut during the 2023/24 season. He has become a key figure for Gent since then.

He first caught wider attention in the Jupiler Pro League, but it was his calm and confident display for Greece against Scotland that turned more heads.

In that friendly played in Glasgow, Karetsas helped Greece to a 3-0 victory, showing maturity well beyond his age.

Arsenal Want Him but Plan to Delay His Arrival
Arsenal are not just acting fast, they are also thinking long-term.

The club hopes to complete the transfer this summer, but intend to leave him on loan at Gent for one more season.

That would allow the teenager to continue playing regular football at a good level, which the Gunners believe is key for his growth.

Club sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the discussions. He already has a positive relationship with Karetsas’ agent.

The same agent was involved in Albert Sambi Lokonga’s transfer to north London back in 2021.

Reports from Greece claim the total package could be worth around £38 million with performance-based add-ons.

If that valuation is reached, Karetsas will become the most expensive Greek footballer in history.

That would break the record set when Napoli paid £30 million for Kostas Manolas in 2019.

Karetsas has been likened to a young Cesc Fabregas because of his touch, control, and decision-making under pressure.

Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown interest in the player, but Arsenal appear to be leading the chase.

This move fits Arsenal’s wider strategy of building for the future by signing top talents before they reach peak value.

The Gunners believe Karetsas could be a future star at the heart of their midfield in the seasons ahead.