Chelsea have reportedly held talks over a potential move to sign Bayern Munich-linked attacker Konstantinos Karetsas from Genk.
Enzo Maresca‘s side are currently focused on matters on the pitch, with the Blues looking to secure Champions League qualification and go all the way in the Conference League.
However, Chelsea’s recruiting team are already drawing up plans for the summer transfer window, as they look to strengthen Maresca’s squad ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Their search for reinforcements appears to have led them to the Belgian top flight, where they have identified a highly-rated prospect as a potential transfer target.
© IconSport
Chelsea eyeing Karetsas move
According to journalist Christian Falk, Chelsea have already held talks with the representatives of Genk starlet Karetsas.
The report suggests that the Premier League are leading Bayern Munich in the race to secure the 17-year-old’s signature.
The Bundesliga leaders have placed Karetsas on their transfer shortlist, but they are yet to make contact over a potential move.
As per football.london, Genk could demand a €40m (£34m) fee to part ways with a player who is under contract until the summer of 2027.
© Imago
Who is Konstantinos Karetsas?
The teenager started his career in the Genk academy, before he made the switch to Anderlecht’s youth system in 2020.
After spending around two-and-a-half years with Anderlecht, Karetsas returned to Genk in January 2023, spending time in their Under-23 side before making his first-team debut in May 2024.
Karetsas has gone on to make 31 competitive appearances in the current campaign, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
While he was born in Belgium, Karetsas opted to represent Greece at international level, making his debut in the first leg of last month’s UEFA Nations League playoff against Scotland.
Karetsas then scored his first international goal in the return fixture, helping his country claim a 3-1 aggregate victory to win promotion to League A.
The left-footed attacker likes to operate as a number 10, although he is capable of playing as a winger when required.
If Chelsea secure his signature, it is unclear whether they will integrate him into the squad or look to send him on loan to gain more experience.
