Arsenal 'going crazy' over €6m THIRD-DIVISION wonderkid

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 Dec 2023 15:49 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal are keen to sign 16-year-old wonderkid Dino Klapija, according to a report.

Little Kustosija are making a name for themselves. After selling Mika Faye to Barcelona for €5 million in the summer, the Zagreb-based club - who play in the Croatian third division - are on the verge of cashing in on their next star, according to local media.

16-year-old Dino Klapija is "almost certain" to depart Kustosija next and he will flush an awful lot of money into the club's coffers. According to Croatian outlet Index, the club are demanding as much as €6m for the teenage wonderkid.

A host of European giants are interested in Klapija, but Arsenal appear to be favourites to land him. In addition to the Gunners, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are credited with an interest in the youngster.

Klapija not an unknown

The interest in the 16-year-old has not come out of the blue. Born in the US, the Croatian youth international was at one point in the academy setup of New York City FC, who belong to City Football Group. The youngster headed to the Croatian lower leagues in search of game time and found it, starting ten games for Kustosija's senior side this term.

Already in the summer, Man Utd and Arsenal were said to be eyeing Klapija and the centre-forward impressed the Gunners' scouts so much that they made their minds up back then.

However, not pursuing a deal at the time has somewhat backfired as interest in the talent has only increased since, which has also seen his price go up. In addition to €6m upfront, his club are also asking for a sell-on percentage.

Another notable name on Kustosija's books is Davor Lovren, the younger brother of former Liverpool and current Lyon defender Dejan.