Arsenal send scouts to watch £17million-rated wonderkid in Europa League clash

Arsenal have sent scouts to Sweden to watch a highly-rated 17-year-old in Europa League action on Thursday night, but the Gunners face competition from European giants

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund will have scouts in Sweden this evening to monitor 17-year-old FK Crvena Zvezda midfielder Vasilije Kostov during the Europa League clash with Malmo.

The teenager, who has already been capped by Serbia, has been labelled the ‘Serbian Pedri’ and ‘Balkan Barella’ thanks to his technical prowess and versatility across various midfield positions.

Speaking football.london, Red Star Belgrade General Director Zvezdan Terzic acknowledged widespread interest from Europe’s elite clubs. He revealed: “I can’t talk about exactly who has called but we have already received an offer worth €20million (£17.45million) for him.”

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When questioned about Kostov’s potential to succeed in the Premier League, Terzic responded emphatically: “Of course but not just any team, he could play for one of the big six clubs.”

Bayern Munich are believed to be among the clubs that have made informal approaches to Red Star Belgrade regarding the teenager.

The versatile midfielder, capable of operating in advanced positions, deeper roles, or on the flanks, has featured in 24 matches across all competitions this breakthrough campaign, netting six times including a strike against Porto.

A January departure appears unlikely for Kostov, with the expectation being that he will stay with his childhood club until the season concludes at minimum. Team-mate and midfield partner Timi Max Elsnik, who shone at Euro 2024 with Slovenia, also said that Kostov possesses all the attributes to become a world-beater, declaring: “He is already very good and can be a player for top level if he keeps progressing and developing.”

The teenage maestro arguably already benefits from having the ideal mentor in current manager Dejan Stankovic, who claimed six Serie A crowns with two different sides (Inter Milan and Lazio) plus the Champions League during his playing career.

With Arsenal now boasting one of the finest squads across global football, there’s enhanced scope to back young, exciting prospects and they’ve been scouring the market for chances.

Republic of Ireland U17 international midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna will link up with the Gunners in January 2027 once he reaches 18 whilst the same goes for Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero – they land in August 2027 – following a £9million agreement with Independiente del Valle.

Mikel Arteta’s outfit were amongst several clubs tracking 17 year old Brazilian talent Rafael Belinho, who can also represent Croatia.