Aston Villa is reportedly in discussions to sign highly-rated Besiktas striker Semih Kılıçsoy for a fee of approximately €15 million this summer.
Reports emerging from Turkey indicate that the 18-year-old forward could be made available once the Turkish Süper Lig club finalizes the transfer of Tammy Abraham from AS Roma.
The potential move for Kılıçsoy aligns with Aston Villa’s recent strategy of acquiring promising young European talent.
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The club has been active in this regard, bringing in players like Kosta Nedeljkovic (though he may yet depart permanently), Yasin Ozcan from Kasimpasa, Andres Garcia from Levante in January, and recently confirming the arrival of Zepiqueno Redmond from Feyenoord. Turkish outlet Fanatik specifically highlights the opportunity for Villa to pursue Kılıçsoy.
Villa’s interest in a striker is driven by a clear need for attacking reinforcements.
The departure of Marcus Rashford back to Manchester United following his loan spell, coupled with the sale of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in January (who himself is now reportedly a target for Turkish clubs), leaves a void in their long-term striking options.
Adding to the complexity are ongoing doubts surrounding the future of Villa’s top goalscorer, Ollie Watkins.
The club’s talisman of the last five seasons is once again the subject of transfer speculation, with reported interest from his boyhood club Arsenal and Manchester United (contingent on a potential sale of Rasmus Hojlund).
Kılıçsoy, valued at €12 million by Transfermarkt, has already made a significant impact at Besiktas despite his young age. He has registered 16 goals and nine assists in 85 first-team appearances for the Turkish club and currently has three years remaining on his contract.
His potential arrival would provide Unai Emery’s squad with a youthful, high-potential attacking option as they prepare for the upcoming season.