Arsenal are among of the clubs chasing IMT Belgrad’s Vasilije Novičić for the summer.
The Gunners’ immediate focus is on their efforts to win the Premier League and also make it to the Champions League semi-final by overcoming Sporting.
That hasn’t stopped Arsenal from looking at potential targets for both the first team and their academy.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been closely following the Serbian market in recent weeks for young talents.
On March 2nd, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy of Arsenal making an offer for 17-year-old Vasilije Kostov.
Later that month, we relayed news from Serbia backing up the north London club’s desire to sign the Red Star Belgrade youngster. He isn’t the only young talent from Serbia on the Premier League side’s agenda.
Arsenal keen on IMT Belgrad young star
Directly now report Mikel Arteta’s side are in the picture to sign Vasilije Novičić.
The 17-year-old left FK Kosmet Leposavić’s academy as a free agent for FK Ole in July 2023. A year later, he left FK Ole, again as a free agent, and completed a move to IMT Belgrad.
Having made his first team debut last season, the defensive midfielder has already played 52 matches. It includes 27 matches this season, managing eight goals and four assists.
His league stats this season are as follows:
- Appearances: 27
- Starts: 25
- Total minutes: 2,321
- Minutes per game: 86
- Interceptions per game: 1.1
- Tackles per game: 2.0
- Ball recovered per game: 4.3
- Clearances per game: 0.7
- Duels won per game: 4.0
The Serbia U19 international has even captained his side on a few occasions this season.
His rapid rise, performances and potential have attracted interest from Arsenal, Red Star Belgrade and TSG Hoffenheim. IMT Belgrad have already rejected offers of €5m each from the latter two.
Red Star Belgrade aren’t giving up and have made him their top target for the summer. However, the Serbian champions have to be wary of the Gunners, who have outbid them in the transfer race.
Direktno report Arsenal have ‘no problem’ offering €7m for the youngster. Their plan is to sign and send him on loan to a club where he will enjoy regular playing time.
Contract, value and agent info
Vasilije Novičić will turn 18 years of age in May, making him eligible to move to the UK in the summer.
His contract expires in 2027, and Transfer market value him at €3.5m. Serbian agency, Family Football, owned by agent Rade Dunjic, represent the young midfielder.
