The biggest clubs are all starting to talk about Crvena Zvezda star Vasilije Kostov. The latest Kostov transfer news has scouts flooding into Belgrade, eager to see the teenager lighting up Serbian football.
As talk of Arsenal transfer targets for 2026 begins to gather pace, all eyes are on the Serbian wonderkid.
At just 17, Kostov is becoming one of the most talked-about young midfielders on the continent. Crvena Zvezda general director Zvezdan Terzic has confirmed the club received a €20 million offer for Kostov. If the deal happens, it would make him the most expensive export in Serbian Superliga history.
Serbia has produced world-class talent like Nemanja Matic, Nemanja Vidic, and Dejan Stankovic over the years. However, Kostov potentially breaking the transfer record at 17 reveals how special he is. Clubs are moving for him now because they believe he is already prepared to compete at a higher level.
Why Vasilije Kostov is dubbed the Balkan Barella
Kostov has been nicknamed the Balkan Barella. This is a comparison to Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella. Like Barella, the 17-year-old is full of energy. Aside from being a goal scorer, he is the engine of the team.
Kostov can play as an attacking midfielder and can drop deep into central midfield. He could also drift wide when needed. Scouts often praise his late runs into the box and his vision when picking out passes.
Some even see shades of Barcelona star Pedri in the way Kostov reads the game. Kostov joined Red Star at the age of seven. He grew within the club’s system and learned its culture.
One moment that truly showed his quality came in a youth Eternal Derby against Partizan. He scored a Panenka penalty during the match, a goal that helped secure a victory for Red Star in that high-pressure fixture.
Kostov has also scored other notable Panenkas in youth competitions, most notably in the UEFA Youth League against Barcelona, which ended in a 2-1 defeat to the Spanish side.
In the 2025/26 season, Kostov has provided ten goals and six assists in all competitions. He also announced himself on the European stage by scoring against Porto in the UEFA Europa League in October 2025.
More importantly, Kostov has already earned his first senior cap for the Serbian national team. This occurred in October 2025 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match held in Leskovac, Serbia, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Serbia. He came on as a substitute in the 75th minute.
Kostov development reaches crucial stage
As reported by Football London, Arsenal have scouted Kostov, with the club viewing him as a long-term project who could grow into a key figure in midfield.
Bayern Munich have also made informal enquiries. The Bavarians are known for securing elite talents before their prices skyrocket. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund, famous for developing stars like Jude Bellingham, have also shown interest in the young player.
Read More: London calling? Why Arsenal and Chelsea want midfield sensation Aleksandar Stankovic
Crvena Zvezda head coach Dejan Stankovic is currently guiding Kostov. As a former Serbian international midfielder, Stankovic understands exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He oversees the teenager’s development on a daily basis, providing tactical guidance to the rising star.
The next step will be crucial. Kostov could end up in England or Germany, or he may choose to stay a little longer in Belgrade. Regardless of his choice, the eyes of Europe remain fixed on a teenager who looks ready for the big stage.
