Arsenal eye stunning bargain deal for prolific teenager

Tom Weber

Updated: 1 May 2024 13:01 CDT
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are among the many clubs interested in Semih Kilicsoy, according to a report.

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The Besiktas striker has enjoyed a real breakout season this term. At just 18 years of age, the attacker has netted a pretty impressive 10 goals in 20 Super Lig appearances while also setting up two for his teammates.

Kilicsoy's production despite his youth has attracted attention all across Europe. According to CaughtOffside, the Turkey U21 international has admirers in Spain, Germany and England. Among the Premier League sides interested are Arsenal and north London rivals Tottenham.

Both are in the market for a star centre-forward this summer, but it seems unlikely that the 18-year-old would be brought in to become a starting striker immediately. Arsenal are looking for a number nine who can take them to the next level, while Spurs are still trying to replace Harry Kane.

Kilicsoy also has suitors in the Bundesliga with prolific talent producers Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig keeping tabs on him. Heading to Germany seems a logical next step for the Istanbul-born forward rather than making the jump straight to a top Premier League side.

Kilicsoy's price tag

According to the above-mentioned outlet, Kilicsoy could be available for a relatively affordable €25 million to €30m, though there would, of course, be a significant risk attached to signing him given his youth and the level of the Super Lig.

The youngster is still tied to Besiktas until 2028, so they will be under no pressure to sell him this summer. Kilicsoy currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of just €3.5m as per FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm.

This isn't the first time the wonderkid striker, who can also feature as a winger, has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Back in November 2023, reports in Turkey had claimed that Aston Villa were 'determined' to sign him after having a summer approach knocked back.