Is targeting Konstantinos Karetsas the right move for Arsenal?

Arsenal are interested in signing Greek wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas according to several reports and while he looks to be a promising youngster, it may not be the best move for the club.

Greek outlets and several newspapers have claimed the Gunners are 'close' to striking a €45m deal for the 17-year-old and while those reports will certainly be taken with a pinch of salt, it is likely true that Mikel Arteta's side hold an interest in acquiring his services.

It's not entirely clear how advanced Arsenal's genuine interest in Karetsas is, but they may look to formalise it soon and before anything happens, it has to be considered if targeting him is the right move for the club.

Is targeting Konstantinos Karetsas the right move for Arsenal?

Karetsas made his breakthrough this season with Belgian Pro League side Genk after making his senior debut in May 2024. He scored three goals and assisted four in 39 appearances across all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign.

His impressive performances for the four-time league champions led to a maiden call-up to the Greece national squad. Having been born and raised in Belgium, he switched allegiance from the Red Devils to represent the Euro 2004 victors.

He made his debut in a Nations League tie against Scotland before scoring his first international goal against the same opponent days later, becoming his nation's youngest ever goalscorer and helping earn them promotion to the competition's League A.

It is clear that Karetsas has plenty of talent, but at the young age of 17, he would likely struggle to adapt to the Premier League immediately. Reports have claimed Arsenal's plan would be to loan him back to Genk for a season to aid his development. That would be smart, but the reputed €45m fee they may be paying for him wouldn't bode well for their summer transfer window plans.

With the signing of a team-completing striker one of the Gunners' main priorities, this window looks set to be a win-now period for Arteta's team. The club have signed a number of players for the future over previous years and not many have worked out well for their plans in the here and now.

If Arsenal had a complete team, dropping a large amount on a promising player just to loan them back out for a season wouldn't look so bad, but considering the current context, it wouldn't be smart. The Gunners have to prioritise getting a striker and other key positions through the door at the Emirates before looking for future prospects.

There is a risk of over-congesting one position with the signing of Karetsas however. Martin Odegaard is Arsenal's main man in the attacking midfield position whereas Ethan Nwaneri can also operate in the role. The emerging Max Dowman, who is expected to be a part of the first team next season, is also capable of playing in the number 10 position. With all being left-footed, like the Greek, the Gunners will have to at least consider this when targeting him. Despite this, each of them are versatile and can play in different positions, so that may help their decision.

There is no denying that Karetsas is a talented player and he would be a great fit in Arteta's side. Arsenal should not make a move for him now, but if they can seal the deal for a striker and other priorities first, they could then focus on a transfer. They don't want to waste any potential funds or time in negotiations for the Greece international, but if they have got their priorities sorted for the window, then by all means, targeting him would be smart.

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