Arsenal are reportedly set to pursue a move for the sensational young midfielder, with several European clubs also showing interest.
Arteta leads Arsenal’s next generation
Mikel Arteta, who is in his seventh year as Gunners manager, has not limited his efforts to revitalize the club to just the first team.
Since taking over as manager, the Spaniard has repeatedly shown his faith in Arsenal’s famous Hale End academy. Talented players such as Miles Lewis-Skelly, Max Doman and Ethan Nwaneri have been integrated into Arteta’s squad at this point. It is a testament to the academy’s strength that recent graduates such as Folarin Balogun, Mika Vieles and Omari Hutchinson have had to leave North London to succeed.
Arsenal’s ‘future captain’ needs to follow Ethan Nwaneri out the door
As with Nwaneri, it would be in the Arsenal star’s best interests.
Arsenal continue to have exciting potential in their academy, with their eyes now set on winning silver and building for the future. In December 2025, the club signed a deal with Independiente del Valle, allowing highly-rated Ecuadorian twins Holger and Edwin Quintero to join Arsenal in the summer of 2027.
As Romano pointed out, Arsenal have a “long-term project to acquire the best talent”. Following this philosophy, it is no surprise that the Gunners continue to monitor some of the most promising young players in world football.
Arsenal begin pursuit of midfielder Kostov
According to football.london, Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Red Star Belgrade midfielder Vasilije Kostov play against Malmo in the Europa League this week.
Despite being only 17 years old, Kostov has already earned a cap for the Serbian national team.
Kostov, who made his senior debut with Red Star last year, made a huge breakthrough in the 2025/26 season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in 25 games in all competitions. Because of his success, he became known as the “Pedri of Serbia.”
Arsenal are among the European powers keeping an eye on Kostov, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both reportedly fans of Kostov. According to Football.london, Red Star Belgrade general director Zvezdan Terzic has confirmed that a number of clubs across the continent are interested in the midfielder, with a mystery suitor also coming forward.
“I can’t say exactly who called me, but I’ve already received an offer worth 20 million euros (£17.45 million).”
Kostov is a player seemingly destined to reach the highest level. Terzic believes the teenager has the potential to play for “one of the big six clubs” in the Premier League, while midfielder and teammate Timi Max Elsnik has previously said Kostov has “top-level” potential.
It remains to be seen whether this move will materialize, especially given how much interest there is in Kostov from other countries. However, the Serbian would be an incredible addition to Arteta and would fit in with the club’s desire to strengthen for the future.
