Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on signing 17-year-old Serbian wonderkid Vasilije Kostov from Red Star Belgrade.
According to a report by The Sun, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are interested in Vasilije Kostov. The three European powerhouses are eager to reinforce their first-team squads by signing a young and promising midfielder. So, the 17-year-old Red Star Belgrade whizkid has emerged as a target after garnering the moniker of “Serbian Pedri” due to his exploits in age-group football in his homeland.
Who is Vasilije Kostov?
Vasilije Kostov is the latest prodigy to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Belgrade, the Serb has spent his formative years thus far in Serbia, rising through the ranks at Red Star Belgrade before breaking into the club’s first-team squad. The Serb has been a regular for Crvena Zvezda this term, and he has earned the moniker “Serbian Pedri” due to his exploits in his career thus far.
Kostov has been exceptional thus far in the 2025/26 season, scoring six goals and providing five assists in 24 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, the Serbian prodigy’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
High in demand
Arsenal will dip into the market for a midfielder next year, even though they signed Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard last summer. However, Norgaard is on the wrong side of 30 and will only be a short-term solution for the North London club. Several young playmakers, including Arda Guler, have thus emerged on Arsenal’s radar, with Kostov also a viable target.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s interest in Vasilije Kostov is hardly surprising. The Catalan giants already have the Spanish Pedri in their first-team squad, with the youngster being a pivotal figure under Hansi Flick. So, with Frenkie de Jong approaching 30, Barcelona can plan for life after the Dutch playmaker by signing the Serbian playmaker.
As for Bayern Munich, Joshua Kimmich is on the wrong side of 30, while Leon Goretzka’s long-term future is uncertain amid his links with Tottenham Hotspur. So, the Bavarian giants are scouring the market for a promising midfielder, with Kostov emerging as a viable target.
Meanwhile, a January move is not on the cards, with Red Star Belgrade keen on keeping him at the club until the end of the 2025/26 season. A summer move will be cost-effective, as Crvena Zvezda will reportedly demand over £17 million to part ways with the 17-year-old Serbian wonderkid.
