Arsenal's Scouting Mission for Serbian Prodigy Kostov Intensifies Amid £17.45m Bid
Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Red Star Belgrade's teenage sensation Vasilije Kostov, with the club's scouts set to watch the midfielder in action during this evening's Europa League clash against Malmo in Sweden. The Gunners will be joined by representatives from Borussia Dortmund as the race for the highly-rated 17-year-old heats up across Europe.
Red Star Chief Reveals Concrete €20 Million Offer for 'Balkan Barella'
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, Red Star Belgrade's sporting director Zvezdan Terzic confirmed that his club have already received a substantial bid worth €20 million, equivalent to approximately £17.45 million, for the Serbian international. While Terzic remained tight-lipped about the identity of the bidding club, he emphasised Kostov's readiness for top-level football.
"I can't talk about exactly who has called but we have already received an offer worth €20million (£17.45m) for him," Terzic revealed. When questioned about Kostov's potential suitability for the Premier League, the Red Star chief responded: "Of course but not just any team, he could play for one of the big six clubs."
Kostov's Rapid Rise and International Recognition
The midfield prodigy, who has earned comparisons to Italian star Nicolò Barella and Spanish maestro Pedri due to his exceptional technical ability, has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season in Serbia. Kostov has already made his senior international debut for Serbia and has contributed six goals in twenty-four appearances across all competitions for Red Star Belgrade.
His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed on the European stage, with the teenager finding the net against Portuguese giants Porto in continental competition. This exposure has cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents emerging from the Balkans.
Arsenal's Youth Investment Strategy Gathers Pace
Arsenal's pursuit of Kostov aligns with Mikel Arteta's renewed focus on bolstering the club's youth development programme. With the Gunners now boasting one of the strongest squads in world football, the emphasis has shifted towards securing promising talents for the future.
In recent months, Arsenal have completed several deals for young prospects:
- Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero, scheduled to join in August 2027
- Shamrock Rovers midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna, arriving next January
The North London club are also monitoring 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Rafael Belinho, who currently plays in Croatia and has attracted attention from Dortmund, Barcelona and Manchester United.
European Heavyweights Circle Red Star's Academy Graduate
Mirror Football understands that Bayern Munich are among the numerous elite clubs to have made formal enquiries about Kostov's availability. The German champions' interest adds another dimension to what is becoming an increasingly competitive transfer tussle for the Serbian teenager.
Former Derby County midfielder Timi Max Elsnik, who currently plays alongside Kostov at Red Star Belgrade, offered his assessment of the young star's potential: "He is already very good and can be a player for the top level if he keeps progressing and developing."
Red Star's Proven Track Record of Developing and Selling Talent
The Serbian champions have established themselves as a reliable production line for European football, with their academy system earning widespread respect across the continent. Recent high-profile sales from the club include:
- Centre-back Veljko Milosavljevic to Bournemouth for £13 million last summer
- Midfielder Andrija Maksimovic to RB Leipzig
- Full-back Kosta Nedlejkovic to Aston Villa for approximately £8 million plus add-ons in January 2024
This history of successful player development and lucrative transfers suggests that Red Star Belgrade are well-positioned to negotiate effectively for Kostov's services.
Summer Move Likely as January Transfer Window Closes
The current expectation within football circles is that Kostov will remain with Red Star Belgrade until the summer transfer window, with a January sale now considered unlikely. This timeline would allow the midfielder to complete the current campaign with his boyhood club before potentially embarking on a new challenge with one of Europe's elite sides.
As Arsenal's scouts prepare their detailed assessment following tonight's Europa League encounter, the competition for Kostov's signature appears set to intensify in the coming months, with the teenager's £17.45 million valuation establishing him as one of the most sought-after young talents in European football.
