Transfer Twist: Arsenal Transfer Target Vasilije Kostov Agrees Inter Move Behind the Scenes
Arsenal’s summer transfer plans may have suffered an early setback after reports claimed that highly rated Serbian midfielder Vasilije Kostov has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place to join Inter Milan — leaving sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta facing disappointment in the race for one of Europe’s most exciting teenage talents.
Arsenal Transfer News: Vasilije Kostov Blow for Mikel Arteta
Interest in the 17-year-old attacking midfielder first surfaced during the January transfer window, with The Sun reporting that Arsenal were closely monitoring the Red Star Belgrade prodigy.
That claim was later reinforced by Football.London, while The Mirror added further intrigue — dubbing Kostov the ‘Balkan Barella’ and ‘Serbian Pedri’ due to his ‘admirable technical quality’.
Kostov’s rise has been nothing short of impressive. The Serbia international has already registered 11 goals and six assists in 35 senior appearances for Red Star Belgrade — remarkable numbers for a teenager operating at top-flight level.
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€20m Offer Confirmed as Transfer Race Intensifies
Red Star Belgrade chief Zvezdan Terzic told the publication on January 22, 2026: “I can’t talk about exactly who has called but we have already received an offer worth €20million (£17.5m, $23.6m) for him.”
That revelation confirmed that Kostov is already commanding significant attention across Europe, with Arsenal believed to be among several elite clubs tracking his development.
However, a fresh report from Sports Boom now claims that Inter Milan are in pole position to secure the youngster’s signature — thanks to what has been described as a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
Inter Milan Leading Arsenal in Kostov Transfer Race
The report suggests that despite firm interest from Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, Inter have moved decisively behind the scenes.
Kostov’s representative, former Serbia international Nikola Kolarov, is reportedly keen on facilitating a move to the Serie A giants for a fee exceeding €20m.
Should that agreement materialise, it would represent a major coup for Inter and a frustrating near-miss for Arsenal, who have made youth recruitment a cornerstone of their long-term strategy.
Why Missing Out on Kostov May Not Hurt Arsenal Immediately
While losing a top prospect is never ideal, Arsenal are not short of quality in attacking midfield. Mikel Arteta already boasts established creative options capable of competing at the highest level in both the Premier League and Europe.
In the short term, the Gunners are unlikely to feel the impact.
However, Arsenal have consistently shown a willingness to invest in emerging stars before their valuations skyrocket. Kostov fits the exact profile of player the club has targeted in recent seasons — technically gifted, tactically intelligent and commercially valuable.
Transfer Still Not Official — Arsenal Hope Remains?
It is important to note that, at present, only one outlet has reported the alleged agreement with Inter Milan.
Until multiple sources corroborate the claim, Arsenal supporters will retain cautious optimism.
But as things stand, the situation appears to favour Inter — and Andrea Berta may already be recalibrating his summer shortlist.
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Transfer Twist: Arsenal Transfer Target Vasilije Kostov Agrees Inter Move Behind the Scenes