Arsenal and Liverpool are monitoring Fulham midfielder Josh King, with the 19-year-old emerging as one of the Premier League’s most closely watched young talents. Borussia Dortmund are also understood to be tracking his progress.
King has established himself in Fulham’s first team and has started all five of the club’s league matches this season, scoring twice. He made 32 Premier League appearances last term, underlining the rapid progress he has made at Craven Cottage.
Fulham are in a strong negotiating position, with King contracted until 2029. Any approach for the teenager is therefore expected to require a substantial offer.
Arsenal and Liverpool interest in £51 million-rated Josh King
King is now valued at around £51 million, a figure which reflects the speed of his development and the level of interest from leading clubs in England and abroad.
He has also featured in England’s youth set-up and trained with Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad before the World Cup. His performances have strengthened the impression that he could develop into a high-level attacking midfielder.
Former Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has been among those impressed by King’s displays. “He’s a fantastic talent,” Zamora said, praising the youngster’s desire to receive the ball in difficult areas and his willingness to create and score.
King’s confidence is notable for a player of his age. He is comfortable taking possession under pressure, can carry the ball through midfield and has already shown an ability to influence Premier League matches.
Arsenal’s interest would be consistent with their preference for recruiting young players who are technically gifted, have experience in English football and retain significant scope for improvement.
However, a £51 million valuation would make King a major investment rather than a low-cost development signing. Arsenal would have to decide whether his potential justifies such an outlay now, rather than waiting for his value to increase further.
The presence of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund in the competition could increase the pressure on any interested club to act, although Fulham’s long-term contract gives them considerable protection over the player’s future.
