Arsenal are reportedly pursuing a young talent who could directly impact the prospects of two top academy stars. In Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman, the Gunners have two of the standout teenage up-and-comers in the Premier League.

Nwaneri, 18, scored nine first-team goals last season, and 15-year-old Dowman is expected to be given greater responsibility over the upcoming campaign. Gunners fans have tipped both players to become stars of the future, but they could end up getting in each other's way, given they are both left-footed attacking midfielders. The last thing the pair of them need, therefore, is for Arsenal to throw another youngster with a similar profile into the mix.

But that's exactly what could be about to happen. The north Londonders are tracking Genk prodigy Konstantinos Karetsas, and reports in Greece suggest that a deal for the 17-year-old may reach a staggering £38million.

Karetsas is already a senior Greek international with a full season of experience under his belt in the Belgian Pro League. Just like Nwaneri and Dowman, the wonderkid's best position is in attacking midfield, where he can use his excellent left foot.

Arsenal transfer chiefs are keen to secure a healthy balance of youth and experience in Mikel Arteta's squad. But they may also be wary about sending the wrong message to academy graduates like Nwaneri and Dowman, who have been tipped for long-term futures in the first team.

As two of the top young players in the country, other Arsenal academy stars may feel that if Nwaneri and Dowman cannot break into Arteta's XI then it's an impossible task.

Given he does not turn 18 until November, Karetsas would have to be loaned back to Genk even if an agreement was reached. There is still work to be done over a potential deal, and the Gunners may yet decide to spend their money on strengthening other departments during the current window.

Martin Zubimendi is expected to be confirmed as their newest midfield acquisition once his £51m switch from Real Sociedad is formally signed off. And Arteta is also set to welcome an out-and-out striker before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

But Arsenal's current focus is on signing a left-winger to compete with Gabriel Martinelli. Leroy Sane, Nico Williams and Rodrygo are all prominent targets, while club bosses have also taken the first steps to sound out a move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.