Arsenal are among a number of clubs monitoring Bayer Leverkusen youngster Kerim Alajbegovic.
The 18-year-old is already being tipped for a breakout impact at the World Cup.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are among the clubs that have held discussions with the winger’s representatives.
Aston Villa and Leeds have also been in contact, while interest from Serie A clubs including Napoli, Roma and Inter Milan has also emerged.
Alajbegovic, who was born in Cologne to Bosnian parents, will feature for Bosnia in the summer, where he has been backed to make a strong impression in a group containing Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
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The teenager was initially sold by Leverkusen to Red Bull Salzburg before being re-signed this summer for around £7 million, but his rapid development has already put him back on the radar of Europe’s elite.
Leverkusen are understood to be reluctant to lose him so soon after bringing him back, though reports suggest an offer in the region of £18 million could test their resolve.
Why Arsenal are tracking Kerim Alajbegovic
Alajbegovic fits a profile Arsenal have increasingly leaned into under Mikel Arteta. He is young, athletic, has strong technical qualities, and is capable of playing across multiple attacking roles.
Primarily a left winger, he can also operate centrally or on the right. His ability to carry the ball, cut inside and create shooting opportunities has made him one of the most closely watched young attackers in Europe.
Arsenal have identified the left wing position as their main area of priority to strengthen this summer.
Alajbegovic is likely an alternative to 16-year-old Jeremy Monga, who the Gunners are pushing to sign from Leicester City.
Alongside that, Arsenal are expected to pursue a more established left-sided forward this summer, with Gabriel Martinelli’s future in doubt and Leandro Trossard entering the final year of his contract.
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa is among the more senior profiles admired internally, though any deal would likely require a fee in the region of £80 million.
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