ArsenalTeam·Arsenal are reportedly among several prominent European clubs closely observing Kerim AlajbegovicPlayer·Kerim Alajbegovic, the highly-rated 18-year-old winger from Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners' interest aligns with their strategic objective to acquire an elite wide player this summer, aiming to build upon a successful 2025/26 campaign.
Alajbegovic's burgeoning talent first gained significant attention during his tenure at Red Bull Salzburg last year. During that period, he registered an impressive 13 goals and four assists across 44 appearances in all competitions, including nine goals in 28 Austrian BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga matches. His performances prompted Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen to activate a £7 million buy-back option, bringing the youngster back to Germany.
Despite the reported interest from ArsenalTeam·Arsenal and other top-tier clubs, Alajbegovic has been candid about his long-term aspirations. He has openly stated his dream of playing for Spanish giants Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid, while also expressing admiration for BarcelonaTeam·Barcelona.
"I'd like to play for Madrid. As a kid, I dreamed of giving my best to play for Real. If it's Barcelona, I don't have a problem with that either," Alajbegovic was quoted as saying.
ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's pursuit of a new winger follows a remarkable 2025/26 season where they secured the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League title, their first in over two decades. The London club also reached the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League final, ultimately suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-GermainTeam·Paris Saint-Germain. Under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, the team is now focused on strengthening the squad to defend their domestic title and contend for further European honours in the 2026/27 season.
The competition for Alajbegovic's signature is considerable. Reports indicate that ArsenalTeam·Arsenal, alongside Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League rivals Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa and Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United, as well as Italian clubs Inter Milan, Napoli, and RomaTeam·Roma, have engaged in discussions with the player's representatives. While Leverkusen recently re-signed Alajbegovic to a five-year contract, there are suggestions the German club could be open to a swift profit, with potential offers around £18 million reportedly being discussed.
Should ArsenalTeam·Arsenal successfully acquire a new winger of Alajbegovic's calibre, it could have implications for the futures of current wide players such as Gabriel MartinelliPlayer·Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro TrossardPlayer·Leandro Trossard, both of whom have been linked with potential summer departures.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta on the touchline. (Eibner/IMAGO)
Eibner/IMAGOThis article was generated by AI (gemini-2.5-flash). Learn more.
