Arsenal have made an approach to world cup star Kerim Alajbegovic

Arsenal have made an approach for Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic, with the 18-year-old impressing at the ongoing World Cup.

Arsenal Enter Race to Sign €30m-Rated Star Kerim Alajbegovic

The Premier League champions are looking to strengthen their left-wing options this summer.

According to Football London, Arsenal representatives have already held talks with the player’s agents.

The Daily Mail first reported the discussions, noting that several other European clubs, including Aston Villa, Napoli and Inter Milan, are also tracking the teenager.

Alajbegovic, born in Cologne in September 2007, came through the youth ranks at Bayer Leverkusen before moving to RB Salzburg last summer for €2 million.

He delivered an impressive season in Austria, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.

Leverkusen activated a buy-back clause to bring him back to the Bundesliga this summer, signing him on a five-year contract that runs until 2031.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has caught the attention of Arsenal’s recruitment team with his performances on the world stage.

In Bosnia’s group-stage victory over Qatar, Alajbegovic scored a stunning goal from outside the penalty area, cutting inside from the left flank and curling a powerful shot into the top corner.

At 18 years and 276 days, he became the youngest player in World Cup history to score from outside the box since such records began in 1966.

Primarily a left-winger, Alajbegovic is comfortable on both feet and can also play as an attacking midfielder or on the right flank.

His direct dribbling and eye for goal from distance make him exactly the profile Arsenal have targeted in recent years.

Leverkusen are reportedly willing to sell the teenager for around €30 million, though no formal offer has yet been submitted.

The player is expected to start Bosnia’s last-32 World Cup clash against co-hosts USA on Thursday.

Arsenal are also pursuing other wide options, including PSG’s Bradley Barcola, but have identified Alajbegovic as a more budget-friendly alternative.

With Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both potentially heading for the exit this summer, the Gunners are determined to refresh their attacking options as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.