Arsenal Prepare €40m Opening Bid for Porto’s Teenage Sensation Oskar Pietuszewski

Arsenal targets 17-year-old Polish star Oskar Pietuszewski as a replacement for Martinelli or Trossard, planning a €40m opening bid for the FC Porto winger.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 4:03 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

Strategic Scouting and the Search for Fresh Blood

Arsenal’s recruitment team has pivoted toward the Portuguese market as they look to refresh their options on the left flank. Sporting director Andrea Berta, who has been active in monitoring European talent since his arrival in London, has reportedly highlighted Oskar Pietuszewski as a priority target for the summer 2026 window. The Gunners’ interest comes amid reports that they may be open to cashing in on Gabriel Martinelli, with Paris Saint-Germain recently reviving their interest in the Brazilian. Simultaneously, Leandro Trossard is reportedly a target for Napoli, leaving Arsenal in need of a high-ceiling replacement to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League.

The Rapid Ascent of Poland’s Newest Star

Pietuszewski has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his January 2026 transfer from Jagiellonia Białystok to FC Porto. At just 17, he has already established himself as a regular in the Porto first team, contributing three goals and four assists in 15 appearances across all competitions. His performance in high-pressure matches, including goals against Benfica and Moreirense in March, has alerted Europe’s elite. Scouts from Borussia Dortmund have described his pace and transitional play as "flawless," while Arsenal’s coaching staff reportedly views him as the perfect stylistic fit for Mikel Arteta’s high-intensity, youth-oriented system.

A Complex Financial and Competitive Landscape

While Arsenal’s planned €40 million opening bid signals intent, they face significant hurdles in securing the Pole’s signature. Porto are reportedly unwilling to negotiate for anything less than his €60 million (£52m) release clause. Furthermore, the Portuguese giants are already preparing a new contract offer to coincide with Pietuszewski’s 18th birthday, which could see that clause soar to €100 million. Arsenal is not alone in the chase; Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich are all monitoring the situation, with City reportedly considering a "buy-and-loan-back" arrangement to entice the player.