Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa.placeholder image
Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa. | Getty Images
Aston Villa are looking to strengthen in forward areas
The forward areas are a key position of concern for Unai Emery and Aston Villa this summer. Having missed out on the Champions League by the narrowest of margins, there is a worry that Villa’s squad next season could be weaker than it was in 2024/25.
Former loan signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio were an important part of Villa’s outstanding form in the spring, while Ollie Watkins remains a key figure up front but has been rumoured for an exit to raise funds. Winger Leon Bailey may also depart.
Even if Watkins stays, the future of the Villains’ striking position is up in the air. As Villa look to transition from European hopefuls to Champions League mainstays, it is important that a succession plan is in place so that key exits and financial constraints don’t leave them short. One young striker has been a source of interest for Villa in recent weeks as Unai Emery looks to avoid this problem.
Aston Villa interested in Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy
Aston Villa are interested in a Turkish striker for the future, in 19-year-old Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy. Already a full Turkish international, 2005-born Kilicsoy has scored 16 goals in 82 career appearances for the Super Lig giants and has reportedly been a target for Emery and Villa for a year now.
Besiktas are now more inclined to sell one of the prized talents after they recently brought in Tammy Abraham on loan from Roma, report Sport Witness. The club likely know they can get a better fee for Kilicsoy now in case he plays more of a secondary role to the Englishman next season. Kilicsoy’s market value is currently €12m (£10.4m), according to Transfermarkt. But a previous report earlier this year stated that Besiktas value him at closer to £16m.
There may yet be another twist to the tale, as Besiktas are reportedly interested in an Aston Villa man and may propose a swap deal with the Villains which would get both sides what they want.
Could a swap deal for Donyell Malen be on the cards?
Aksam’s report states that a swap deal could be a possibility, suggesting that the Turkish club have proposed the deal as one which would suit both parties. Villa may be reluctant to part ways with Malen so soon after signing him, particularly if further wide options are not brought in.
An offer of Kilicsoy plus an additional bit of cash for Malen may be what it takes for Villa to agree to a deal, which could yet prove a masterstroke in the long run. Kilicsoy has vast potential and while a swap deal involving Malen may seem risky at this moment in time, Villa could yet look back in a couple of years and realise what a great deal it was. Definitely one to keep an eye out for.
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