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The race for Europe’s next generational playmaker is heating up! As of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Arsenal have reportedly joined a "scouting frenzy" to sign 17-year-old Bayern Munich prodigy Lennart Karl.
The German U21 international has become the talk of the Bundesliga this season, and Mikel Arteta is said to be "hugely impressed" by the youngster's rapid ascent into Vincent Kompany’s first team.
Who is Lennart Karl? The "New Musiala"
Karl has enjoyed a historic breakout campaign at the Allianz Arena, shattering records and drawing direct comparisons to Martin Ødegaard and Jamal Musiala.
Record Breaker: In October 2025, he became the youngest-ever Champions League goalscorer in Bayern Munich history.
The "Killer" Instinct: Bayern boss Vincent Kompany has publicly praised Karl’s "fearless magic" and "killer" instinct in front of goal.
Playing Style: A left-footed attacking midfielder (No. 10) who can also thrive on the right wing. At just 1.68m, his low center of gravity and world-class ball control make him a nightmare for defenders in tight spaces.
25/26 Stats: 7 goals and 3 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
The Transfer Tug-of-War: Price and Competition
Bayern Munich are desperate to keep their "crown jewel," but the interest from London is becoming impossible to ignore.
The Verdict: While Karl has expressed a "dream" to play for Real Madrid in the future, Arsenal's persistence and the Ødegaard connection make them a serious player in this deal. With his 18th birthday just weeks away, expect the "scouting frenzy" to turn into a full-scale bidding war by June.