Arsenal are monitoring exciting AIK centre-forward Kevin Filling ahead of a potential transfer to the Emirates Stadium, according to CaughtOffside.
Filling’s first steps in football came with IK Franke before he moved to Swedish second-tier outfit Vasteras SK.
A move to the academy of 12-time Swedish champions AIK followed after his performances caught their eye, with Filling joining at 14 ahead of the 2023 season. His rise through the youth levels was rapid, and after a short loan spell with Enköpings SK, he made his first start on 29 June 2025. He marked the occasion in style by scoring during AIK’s 3-0 victory over IFK Göteborg.
He is also a prominent part of Sweden’s youth setup at the international level, representing the nation across every youth level from U15 through U16, U17, U18 and U19. His progress has even sparked talk of a senior call-up under Graham Potter.
Now just 17, Filling has been trusted with a bigger role this season and has rewarded that confidence with seven goal contributions in all competitions.
Now, according to CaughtOffside, Filling’s physicality, speed and ability to play in different positions make him an attractive option for major clubs looking to sign exciting prospects before their valuation skyrockets.
‘Fantastic’ prospect
One of the clubs now eyeing a move for the 17-year-old is Arsenal, with the report adding that the north Londoners are closely monitoring the 17-year-old ahead of a potential move to the Emirates Stadium.
Having identified the 6ft 1in attacker as a player for their project who can be developed and slowly integrated into a first-team player in the future, the Gunners’ scouts have been present in recent AIK games to watch him in action, as per the report.
Although the 12-time Swedish champions are not under pressure to sell Filling, CaughtOffside claims that a potential deal for the exciting gem could reach £17m-£21m, including bonuses and a sell-on clause, as well as a possible loan back to the club.
Arsenal will now need to act swiftly, as the report adds that Chelsea, Liverpool and Juventus have also expressed interest in signing the Sweden U19 international.
Filling has lived up to expectations since his academy days, and it’s no surprise his former teammate and current Go Ahead Eagles forward Erik Flataker described him as ‘fantastic’.
Should Arsenal complete his transfer, the youngster could join an exciting contingent of highly rated prospects who have moved to the Emirates Stadium over the past year.