“Odegaard’s Era Is Over!” Arsenal Fans Lose It as Mikel Arteta Eyes 17-Year-Old Greek Wonderkid to Take Over Midfield Magic
Arsenal fans are in meltdown after reports claim the Gunners are “very close” to a sensational £38 million swoop for Konstantinos Karetsas, the 17-year-old dubbed a “Mini Messi”.
With Martin Odegaard struggling to hit top form following a lingering ankle injury, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is already planning the unthinkable — replacing his captain and midfield general.
“We need quality and creativity in the heart of the pitch,” Arteta reportedly told insiders. “Karetsas is exactly the kind of player who can lead us forward.”
Karetsas, born in 2007, has stunned scouts with his explosive vision, silky left foot, and ice-cold composure, reminding many of Lionel Messi in his youth. Though raised in Belgium and having played for their youth squads, the Genk starlet recently switched allegiance to Greece — a decision that stunned the Belgian FA.
“He’s got that genius gene,” one club insider said. “This isn’t just a signing — it’s the birth of a new era.”
With Ethan Nwaneri still finding his feet and Emile Smith Rowe sold in the summer, Arsenal lack a proven no.8 — and Arteta knows it. Even the once-promising Fabio Vieira has been shipped out to Porto, leaving a creative void in the midfield engine room.
FourFourTwo confirms that Arsenal are in “advanced negotiations” and that the North London giants are “very close to an agreement” with Genk for the teenage playmaker.
But the twist? Karetsas is currently valued at just €13 million on Transfermarkt, making the rumoured £38 million price tag either a stroke of genius — or absolute madness.
The Gunners are also expected to give more minutes to Max Dowman, their rising midfield talent, but that hasn’t stopped Arteta from gunning for another left-footed creator.
“He’s a magician,” another Arsenal staffer said. “And magicians don’t come cheap.”
Is This the End of the Odegaard Era?
Fans on social media are already calling it:
“Odegaard is DONE. This Karetsas kid is the future,” one fan posted.
Another replied:
“Mini Messi in red and white? Say less. Arteta cooking again!”
Whether it’s a gamble or genius, one thing is certain: Arsenal signing Karetsas could be the most unexpected — and explosive — transfer twist of the summer.
