Arsenal's Curious Quest: Serbia's Pedri-in-the-Making Draws Premier League Thunder
16 January 2026
Arsenal chase a Serbian teen tipped to be Pedri's successor
The London club is set to face stiff competition from Bayern Munich and Barcelona for the services of Red Star Belgrade’s rising talent.
Kostov's rise and the Pedri comparison
Kostov drew attention last year when he converted a Panenka-style penalty against Barcelona during a youth Champions League game. The 17-year-old has featured 23 times this season, scoring six goals and providing five assists, including a stunning half-volley from outside the box against Porto in October. In the following month he received his first call-up to the Serbia national team, making his international debut vs Albania.
Transfers and contract situation
Red Star is not ready to sell Kostov this transfer window, but reports say the club could consider offers above 17 million pounds in the upcoming summer window. He won't turn 18 until May.
Style, position and future at Arsenal
His technical profile mirrors Pedri's and would suit a league that values technique, like La Liga; though he can play as a right winger in a 4-4-2, his passing and ability to penetrate with through balls could see him operate as a No. 10 behind the striker. His high work rate and defensive traits might push Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to use him on the flank within his system until he is ready to challenge Odegaard or Eberechi Eze for the No. 10 role.
Recent recognition
Recently Kostov was rated the best under-18 midfielder in the world by the International Centre for Sport Studies, based on his form for Red Star this past six months. If he signs, Arsenal may finally learn what 'No. 10' means in practice — more passes, fewer excuses. For now, the race is on, and Arsenal fans will be refreshing their feeds, hoping for a deal that beats their coffee budget.
