Negotiations have started between the La Liga club and the Croatian club for the 18-year-old Mali youth international, but there are other clubs also involved in the race, and it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will look to make a move anytime soon after the recent development.
Reports earlier this month claimed that Arsenal are keen on Coulibaly but will face competition from Getafe, Girona and Red Bull Salzburg for his services.
EXCL: Atletico Madrid have sent formal bid to sign 2006 born talented midfielder Baye Coulibaly.
Negotiations started with NK Kustosija with more clubs also involved in the race. pic.twitter.com/BRp0Ov2KIN
- Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 21, 2024 The teenage sensation caught their eyes at the 2023 under-17 World Cup, but it appears Atletico are now in front of the queue for his signature.
Kustosija want PS5 million from suitors for Coulibaly, and Arsenal may need to offer something better than Atletico to have a chance of landing the versatile defensive midfielder.
The Malian can also play at centre-back and will take his time before making a final transfer decision ahead of the January transfer window.
Arsenal signed Spain international midfielder Mikel Merino during the summer transfer window, and they already have Thomas Partey and Declan Rice capable of playing in defensive midfield, so signing another option in the position in January may not be in their plans.
However, they will likely continue to keep tabs on Coulibaly and could make a move for him next summer if Atletico have not finalised a deal for him before then.
The North London club have been signing young players and strengthening their academy ranks with some of the best teenagers available, and landing the Kustosija kid could save them millions in the transfer market going forward.