Arsenal open talks for Kerim Alajbegovic as £22m exit is confirmed
Arsenal have opened talks to sign World Cup standout kerim alajbegovi from Bayer Leverkusen, while confirming Jakub Kiwior's permanent £22m move to Porto. The 18-year-old Bosnia forward is on Mikel Arteta's radar as the Gunners weigh left-wing upgrades after a title-winning season.
Football London, cited by Metro, reports that Arsenal have reached out to Alajbegovic's representatives to discuss a possible move to north London this summer. The contact lands as the club reshape their squad and rival suitors track the teenager at the World Cup in North America.
Key Takeaways
- Arsenal have reached out to Kerim Alajbegovic's representatives over a potential move from Bayer Leverkusen.
- The 18-year-old scored 13 goals for Red Bull Salzburg before Leverkusen triggered a £7m buy-back clause and tied him to a five-year deal.
- Aston Villa, Atalanta and Newcastle are also tracking the Bosnia forward after his World Cup goal against Qatar.
- Arsenal confirmed Jakub Kiwior's permanent exit to Porto for around £22m after his season-long loan.
- Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli could also leave as Arsenal seek a new left-sided attacker.
Who is Kerim Alajbegovic?
Alajbegovic is an 18-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international who turns 19 in September. He came through Leverkusen's academy, spent 2025-26 on loan at Salzburg, and returned when the Bundesliga club activated their buy-back option.
TEAMtalk describes him as a versatile attacker who can play on either wing or as a second striker. At Salzburg he registered 13 goals and four assists across all competitions before signing a long-term Leverkusen contract.
At the 2026 World Cup he scored a spectacular strike against Qatar that helped Bosnia reach the last 32. Chiesa Di Totti notes his aggressive instincts, ambipedal skill and FotMob data showing 4.17 shots per 90 minutes, placing him in the 96th percentile for on-target attempts across Europe's major leagues.
Why are Arsenal chasing a new left winger?
Metro reports that Arteta wants fresh options on the left despite having Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. Trossard managed eight goals in 50 appearances last season, while Martinelli scored only once in the Premier League, though he remains a Brazil World Cup contributor at 25.
Arsenal have been linked with PSG's Bradley Barcola, but the French champions are not seen as receptive to bids. That has pushed the club toward Alajbegovic as an alternative target while they remain open to offers for both incumbent wingers.
Reports suggest Besiktas could land Trossard for around £17m after Arsenal accepted an offer. Martinelli would not lack suitors if he departs the Emirates Stadium.
Who else wants to sign Kerim Alajbegovic?
Competition is intensifying. TEAMtalk says Aston Villa have stepped up their interest as Unai Emery prepares for Champions League football, with attacking reinforcements a stated priority. Corriere della Sera claims Villa are trying to execute a deal, though Atalanta are also pushing hard under sporting director Cristiano Guintoli.
Newcastle are mentioned as another Premier League watcher. Leverkusen value Alajbegovic at €25-30 million and intend to integrate him, yet TEAMtalk sources indicate they would listen if the right bid arrives.
Chiesa Di Totti argues Alajbegovic has the pace and fearless attacking instincts to thrive under Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma. As clubs compete for his signature, the chase mirrors how buyers hunt rare listings in luxury real estate and dream homes markets—timing and competition decide who secures the prize.
What does the £22m Kiwior exit mean for Arsenal?
While inbound talks continue, Arsenal confirmed an outgoing. Porto activated a clause to sign Kiwior permanently for about £22m after his loan spell. The Poland defender, signed from Spezia in 2023, struggled for minutes before leaving on loan.
Arsenal said Porto exercised their option to make the arrangement permanent. The fee adds sales income as the club balance squad renewal with recruitment for Alajbegovic and other targets.
Metro adds that Ben White and backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could also be sold this summer. Alajbegovic, meanwhile, was expected to start Bosnia's last-32 clash against co-hosts USA on Thursday morning—a stage that could yet inflate his price if he shines again.