United in serious danger of losing out on history-making wonderkid as Arsenal close in on £37m deal – report

Arsenal are reportedly on the brink of completing a deal for Genk wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at United, the club’s transfer policy has shifted from signing already-established superstars to recruiting youngsters who can be nurtured to potentially become world-class.

Over the past year, United have landed the likes of Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven, Sekou Kone, Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro.

A report covered by The Peoples Person in March relayed that Greece international Konstantinos Karetsas had also popped up on United’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

Karestsas made 20 league starts for Belgian side Genk last season, and his standout performances have drawn interest from several clubs across Europe.

In addition to United, he has also been linked to Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

It’s no surprise Karetsas is attracting so much attention. Standing at just 5’7”, the 17-year-old makes the most of his low centre of gravity and agility to glide between the lines, making him a very effective dribbler.

He’s also very versatile and can play anywhere in attack. His best position is as a number 10, but since he’s good with both feet, he can also do well on either wing.

Karestas was born in Genk to Greek parents and came through the system at his hometown club before moving to Belgian giants Anderlecht for three years between 2020 and 2023. He moved back to Genk in January 2023, where he has reached new heights. He made his senior debut for Genk at 15. He marked the occasion with an assist for the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over SK Beveren.

Back in March, he scored in a 3-0 win against Scotland in just his second appearance for the Greece national team. In doing so, he became the youngest scorer in Greece’s history at the age of 17 years, four months and four days.

According to Greek news outlet AMNA [via Metro], Arsenal are “very close” to signing Karetsas in a deal worth €45 million (£37.8m).

Arsenal are expected to keep Karetsas on loan at Genk for another season to help with his development and continued progress.

The United target will then officially join the Gunners next summer.

It remains to be seen whether this development will push United to act, or if Arsenal’s move for the youngster is already too far along for the Red Devils to intervene.

Featured image Ian MacNicol via Getty Images

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