Arsenal is actively pursuing the signature of Besiktas’ 18-year-old wonderkid Semih Kilicsoy, following his impressive breakthrough season in the Super Lig.
Kilicsoy’s outstanding performances, which saw him score 11 goals and provide three assists, have caught the attention of the Gunners, who are willing to pay a significant fee to secure his services.
However, Besiktas is holding out for a record fee for a Turkish player, exceeding the £25.4 million Bayern Munich paid for Sacha Boey in January.
Arsenal remains in constant communication with Besiktas, but negotiations may be challenging due to Kilicsoy’s involvement in Euro 2024 with Turkey.
Kilicsoy has shown immense potential as a future star, demonstrating versatility in multiple attacking positions.
He initially started on the right wing but found greater success playing from the left wing and as a center-forward, contributing almost all of his 15 goal involvements after the new year.
His excellent dribbling skills and ability to convert chances into goals have impressed, with a shot-to-goal conversion rate of nearly 20 percent in the Super Lig.
Arsenal views Kilicsoy as a potential future star but may hesitate to meet the £25.4 million asking price.
Instead, the club could propose an initial payment of around £15 million, supplemented with performance-based add-ons over time.
This strategy reflects Arsenal’s interest in nurturing Kilicsoy’s talent while managing financial risk, aiming to develop him into a key player for the future.
The potential signing of Kilicsoy aligns with Arsenal’s strategy of investing in young talent and developing them into world-class players.
The club has a history of nurturing young players, and Kilicsoy’s potential and versatility make him an attractive addition to the squad.
While negotiations may be challenging, Arsenal’s interest in Kilicsoy is a testament to their commitment to building a strong and competitive team for the future.