Premier League leaders Arsenal have joined the race to sign PAOK’s Greek wonderkid Giannis Konstantelias, according to reports.
Konstantelias, who can play as a left winger or attacking midfielder, will be watched by Gunners scouts this month as they consider a January move.
The 19-year-old Greece U21 star – tipped to earn his first senior cap at the next international break – is thought to be available for around £10m.
Arsenal are not the only club looking to sign Konstantelias, though, with Premier League title rivals Manchester City also keen on a move, according to the Evening Standard.
Spanish side Valencia also want to sign him as do Premier League clubs Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Wolves – who may be able to provide the youngster with more regular playing time.
Konstantelias, who had a trial with Barcelona four years ago, has made 20 appearances for PAOK since making his debut in 2021.
He has registered four assists across 13 games for the Greek club so far this season with the side currently third in the top-flight.
It is believed that if Konstantelias moves clubs in the January transfer window this month he will return on loan to PAOK for the remainder of the season.
Konstantelias spent time out on loan at Belgian side Eupen in 2022, making eight appearances.
PAOK extended Konstantelias’ contract last year with the player penning a deal until 2026.
Konstantelias has previously been described as a ‘Lionel Messi clone’ by Greek football journalist Stavros Kolkas.
‘PAOK has a Messi clone in its academy,’ he told radio station Alpha 98.9 in 2021. ‘The other day against Larissa, he came on at half-time while it was 0-0. He scored two goals, gave two assists and PAOK won 5-0.’
Arsenal are back in action on Monday when they face Oxford United in the FA Cup third round.
Source: https://metro.co.uk/
