Aston Villa are looking to submit a bid for Besiktas forward Semih Kılıçsoy this week.
It’s been a quiet transfer window for Aston Villa so far but that could all be about to change.
Yesterday, it was revealed that the club were close to securing their first signing after a £7.8m bid for Red Star Belgrade right-back Kosta Nedeljković was accepted.
The 18-year-old has played Champions League football this term, starting in the 3-2 defeat against Manchester City, and will provide long-term cover for Matty Cash.
With that deal looking like it’s almost wrapped up, Unai Emery’s focus is now to bolster his squad with attacking players.
The Spaniard wants to supply competition for the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey in wide areas, but also sign a striker who can deputize for Ollie Watkins when needed.
That has seen the likes of Felipe Anderson and Paulo Dybala get linked while there has been significant movement for one player, but it’s one that Villa supporters won’t be too familiar with.
Aston Villa set to submit a bid for Semih Kılıçsoy ‘this week’
Semih Kılıçsoy has been in sensational form for Besiktas this term.
The 18-year-old has scored five goals in eight Super Lig appearances, including a strike in each of his last four.
After netting a brace against Çaykur Rizespor, Wolves enquired about the teenage superstar but their approach was quickly rejected.
Now, it has been reported by Turkish outlet Fanatik that Aston Villa are set to make a bid for Semih “this week”.
Given Besiktas have shown how much they value youth by giving the youngster a new contract till 2028, they will be desperate to keep hold of their prized possession with Villa looking to test their resolve.
Why do Aston Villa want Semih?
According to talent scout Ben Mattinson, Semih is a “very powerful” forward who possesses great agility and close control which allows him to escape challenges and weave out of tight spaces.
The teenage prospect is also great at striking the ball and has demonstrated his physicality when driving forward and holding up play.
With Jhon Duran potentially on his way out of the club amid links to AC Milan and Chelsea, Villa are on the lookout for a young striker who can play second fiddle to Watkins.
Emery wants to develop another youngster into someone who holds a huge sell-on value in the future.
Semih is currently ticking that box after taking the Turkish top flight by storm and could be a smart replacement for Duran, should he leave the club.
