Arsenal look set to complete the first signing of the Andrea Berta era, as they close in on a deal for a highly-coveted midfielder.
The Gunners are looking to add a striker, a winger, a midfielder, a defender and a goalkeeper to Mikel Arteta’s ranks this summer.
Martin Zubimendi is expected to sign for Arsenal for £51 million, although this deal has been delayed and is now likely to go through in July for accounting reasons.
This has opened the door for another man to be Berta’s first Emirates acquisition, as the North Londoners look to add a future star to their squad.
Arsenal in talks to sign Konstantinos Karetsas
Alongside making win-now signings, Arsenal are still looking to build for the future and ensure they sustain their period at the top, competing for major honours.
Arsenal were heavily linked with Sverre Nypan in January, but ultimately look set to miss out on the Norwegian wonderkid to Aston Villa.
However, they’re instead closing in on a deal for a different midfield prospect, with the Athenian-Macedonian news agency reporting that the Gunners are in talks to sign Genk starlet Konstantinos Karetsas.
The prospective deal is reportedly expected to be worth in the region of €45 million (£37 million), and Berta has accelerated negotiations in recent days.
The Italian has a healthy relationship with Karetsas’ agent, who also oversaw Albert Sambi Lokonga’s move to N5 back in 2021.
Karetsas would become the most expensive Greek player in history if the deal materialises at the reported price, usurping Kostas Manolas, who joined Napoli from Roma for €36 million (£30 million) in 2019.
The 17-year-old is likely to remain at Genk on loan for the 2025/26 season, as the Gunners view continued first team football as key to his development.
The North London club want Karetsas to be ready to play first-team minutes at the highest level by the summer of 2026.
Who is Konstantinos Karetsas?
One of the most highly-thought of young midfielders in Europe, Karetsas was born in Belgium and broke through the ranks at Genk.
Making his senior debut in the 2023/24 season, he enjoyed his breakout campaign last term, playing 38 times across all competitions, scoring three goals in the process.
A technical and creative playmaker, football analyst Ben Mattinson described Karetsas as a ‘special 10/RW profile’.
Only turning 17 last November, the youngster has already made two appearances for the Greek national team, catching the eye with an excellent display against Scotland earlier this year.
Touted as the next big thing in Europe, Arsenal will have done well to fend off the competition for his signature if they do pull the deal off.
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