As the 2025/26 season races toward its thrilling conclusion, the summer transfer window is already heating up, with clubs across Europe scouting for the next young sensation. In Belgrade, a promising teenager is emerging: Vasilije Kostov, who just turned 18, has captured significant attention following his impressive first-team performances this season. The attacking midfielder has netted 14 goals and provided seven assists, earning a market value of €18 million—making him the fourth most valuable 17-year-old in world football.
According to Serbian media reports and confirmed by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Premier League leaders Arsenal have been monitoring Kostov and have already made contact with his representatives. This represents a potential overtaking of Inter Milan, who were among the first to move for the midfielder, leveraging their connection with Aleksandar Kolarov—whose brother acts as the young player’s agent. Juventus, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown strong interest but without making significant progress. So, what kind of player is Kostov, and what are his growth prospects? Thanks to insights from our experts in Serbia, we take a closer look.
**Who Is Vasilije Kostov?**
Ratko Milicic, a respected data scout for Transfermarkt in Serbia, has been closely following Kostov. “He combines strong technical ability with a good understanding of the game, which is quite rare at his stage of development,” Milicic says. “If he continues to progress in the right environment, his potential is extremely high, and he has the tools to become a top-level player in European football.” The Red Star Belgrade midfielder is already the ninth most valuable Serbian player and could see his market value rise further in upcoming updates.
**Player Profile and Comparisons**
“Kostov is a modern, versatile player comfortable both in possession and in transition,” Milicic adds. “His main strengths are his close control even at high intensity, his vision, and his ability to make quick decisions under pressure. He is also confident in one-on-one situations. He needs to develop physically and tactically, but he has the will to learn and improve in every aspect of his game.”
Kostov could join other promising youngsters at Arsenal, such as Max Dowman and Myles Lewis-Skelly, but comparisons are already being drawn with the Gunners’ captain. “In terms of playing style, he shows similarities to Martin Ødegaard, especially in how he moves between the lines and contributes creatively to offensive build-up,” notes Milicic. “Of course, he is still at the beginning of his career and is developing his own identity as a player.”
Another Transfermarkt data scout in Serbia, Miloš Mušić, offers additional comparisons: “Pedri is a recurring name, as both players stand out for their ball control, resistance to pressure, and intelligent movement in space. At the same time, Kostov sometimes appears more direct in attack and often looks to finish moves aggressively. There are also similarities to Bernardo Silva, particularly in his ability to find creative solutions under pressure and use technical precision to escape tight spaces. To some extent, he also reminds me of a young Luka Modrić.”
**Will Vasilije Kostov Change Clubs This Summer?**
With so many top clubs circling, the question remains whether Kostov will leave Red Star Belgrade this summer. While no deal is imminent, the intense interest suggests that a transfer could materialize during the upcoming window. Arsenal’s early move and their Premier League status could give them an edge, but Inter’s existing ties and the interest from other European giants mean the race is far from over. For now, all eyes are on the young Serb as his market value continues to climb.
