Besiktas REJECT Sergio Ramos and continue pursuit of Arsenal star

Cameron Smith

22 Aug 2023 07:25 BST
4 min read

Besiktas have revealed that an agreement has not been reached with Spanish defender Sergio Ramos as links with the former Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid star intensify.

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The Turkish Super Lig club had reportedly beaten Galatasaray in the race to sign Ramos, with the move said to be all but done, but Besiktas themselves have come out to deny the rumours.

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Besiktas have said: “A deal [for Sergio Ramos] won’t happen as there’s no chance due to the financial requests.”

In 2021, L’Equipe reported that Ramos’ annual wage at PSG stood at a huge €6 million after tax, which is a sum that Besiktas reportedly cannot afford.

Ramos, 36, has been a free agent since his contract at the Parc des Princes expired at the end of June.

Saudi Pro League sides Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli have been credited with interest in the former Real Madrid man, but Ramos is yet to agree a move.

Rudy Galetti has reported that Al-Ittihad initially dismissed the idea of signing the veteran, but have now held internal discussions regarding whether or not to push to sign him again.

© ProShots - Sergio Ramos and Kylian Mbappe at PSG

Besiktas pursue Arsenal star Rob Holding

Whilst Besiktas have swatted aside rumours of a move for Ramos, they remain in contact with Arsenal over a possible move for English defender Rob Holding.

The 27-year-old was omitted from the Gunners’ matchday squad for their opening two Premier League games of the season and has been linked with an exit all summer.

The Englishman deputised for William Saliba last season following the Frenchman’s injury, but that proved to be the turning point in Arsenal’s season as they lost their strangle-hold on the Premier League title and saw Manchester City leapfrog them into first place.

Now, Holding has been heavily touted for a move away and L’Equipe have reported that Besiktas have initiated talks with Arsenal over a possible move for the defender.

Along with Holding, Besiktas have also discussed the possibility of signing his Arsenal team-mate Nicolas Pepe.

However, Fabrizio Romano has reported that a deal is unlikely to be agreed. He told CaughtOffside: “Despite reports, it’s not so much the case that Nicolas Pepe has rejected a move to Besiktas – they negotiated but didn’t agree on the length of the contract or his salary.

“That’s why both sides left conversations and the Pepe deal is now on stand-by. Let’s see what Arsenal will decide to do now.”