Inter Milan have moved to the front of the queue for Vasilije Kostov, with the Nerazzurri reportedly closing in on a deal for the Crvena Zvezda teenage sensation after overtaking Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the race for his signature.

According to Sports Boom, via FCInter1908, Inter are now on the verge of completing a transfer worth in excess of €20 million for the 17-year-old.

Kostov has been compared to Barcelona’s Pedri for his style of play.

Sources close to the negotiations speak of a “gentleman’s agreement” already in place, with the player’s agent Nikola Kolarov having given Inter the green light to push for a final agreement.

Crvena Zvezda general director Zvezdan Terzic has confirmed that offers of that magnitude have arrived from unnamed European clubs.

Inter Lead Bayern & Arsenal In Kostov Race

Inter Milan Beppe Marotta
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The deal has an important internal advocate at Inter.

Assistant coach Aleksandar Kolarov is a strong admirer of the youngster and is keen to see the club move quickly to get the deal over the line.

It adds a personal dimension to what is already shaping up as one of the most exciting potential signings.

Kostov made his senior Serbia debut last November against Albania.

He is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Balkan football.

Kostov came through the Crvena Zvezda academy before breaking into the first team in April 2025.

Since then, he has gone on to produce 11 goals and six assists in 32 appearances this season.

Numbers that have indeed attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

And, at the moment, Inter appear to have won the race.