Arsenal are reportedly interested in young Turkish star Semih Kılıçsoy. The 18-year-old forward currently plays for Besiktas and will represent Turkey at the 2024 UEFA Euros. Kılıçsoy will be the youngest member of the Turkey squad and looks likely to be their starting striker for the tournament. Arsenal will be closely monitoring the forward, along with Premier League rivals Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Having come through the youth academies of Besiktas, Kılıçsoy enjoyed a breakthrough season in the 2023-24 Turkish Super Lig. The youngster started 20 games, scoring 11 goals and assisting a further three. He is a versatile player, capable of playing on both flanks or dropping slightly deeper to play as an attacking midfielder.
Kılıçsoy is seen as one of the most promising young talents in Turkish football and appears destined for stardom at one of Europe’s big clubs. Interest in the Besiktas forward is high, with around ten Premier League clubs linked to him, alongside European giants like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Kılıçsoy’s agent, Murat Teber, confirmed Arsenal and other clubs’ interest, stating, “I know that clubs such as Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Arsenal, PSG, Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen, and Stuttgart are watching Semih. We received information about this. But it has not reached the offer stage. At least, there is no offer that has reached us.”
“Of course, Beşiktaş’s situation is also important here. There are multiple factors. Currently, Semih is only concentrating on the national team. We will look at the situation after the Euros,” he added.
Arsenal have been searching for a striker but have been unsuccessful so far, with targets Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee unlikely to join the Gunners. A strong showing at the Euros could convince Mikel Arteta to bring the youngster to North London.
Kılıçsoy will reportedly be available for £20-25 million, an apparent steal for a talented young striker in today’s market. However, a strong performance in the tournament could bump his asking price up, especially considering that he signed a new long-term contract in January 2024.
Despite his immense talent, it’s unlikely that the Turkish international will join Arsenal as their starting striker. Arteta may continue with Kai Havertz up top for the upcoming season, allowing Kılıçsoy time to settle in at the club.
