Man United & Arsenal enter race for playmaker wanted by Chelsea | OneFootball

Genk’s teenage sensation Konstantinos Karetsas has rapidly emerged as one of the most coveted young playmakers in European football, with his recent performances sparking widespread interest from some of the game’s biggest clubs.

At just 18 years of age, the highly rated midfielder has become a central figure in Genk’s attacking play, drawing admiration for his maturity and technical quality.

A growing list of elite clubs are now closely tracking Karetsas’ development.

Bayern Munich, Napoli, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all understood to be monitoring the situation closely, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Konstantinos Karetsas is a player in demand across Europe

In addition, Liverpool, Everton, Newcastle United, and Bayer Leverkusen have joined the race, showing just how highly the Genk youngster is rated across Europe.

Scouting reports paint a picture of a modern, intelligent number ten. The youngster has scored two goals and provided ten assists in all competitions for the Belgian club this season.

Bayern Munich’s recruitment team are said to have compiled extensive dossiers highlighting Karetsas’ close control, press resistance, and ability to dictate tempo in tight spaces.

Napoli, meanwhile, are particularly drawn to his vision and awareness in the final third, seeing him as a player capable of unlocking deep defenses with incisive passes and subtle movement.

Interest in England has also intensified. Man United and Arsenal have both stepped up their monitoring by sending scouts to Genk matches on a regular basis, keen to assess his consistency and adaptability.

Man United & Arsenal face Chelsea competition

John McGinn of Scotland battles for possession with Konstantinos Karetsas of Greece (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Chelsea have reportedly gone a step further, already making contact with Karetsas’ representatives as they explore the possibility of bringing him to Stamford Bridge as part of their long-term youth-focused strategy.

In Germany, Bayer Leverkusen view Karetsas as a potential successor in the number ten role, with club officials believing his profile fits perfectly into their high-tempo, possession-based style. Genk, however, are reluctant to part with their prized asset too soon.

The Belgian club would ideally like to keep Karetsas for at least another season, allowing him to continue his development in a familiar environment while playing regular first-team football.

That said, the January transfer window has already triggered intense behind-the-scenes competition and Genk are well aware that resisting interest from Europe’s elite may prove difficult.