Aston Villa are reportedly ramping up their efforts to secure the services of Semih Kilicsoy, the promising forward from Besiktas, as the transfer deadline approaches. According to Football Insider, the club has shown a keen interest in the 19-year-old, with manager Unai Emery identifying him as a vital addition to enhance the team's attacking capabilities.
Kilicsoy has rapidly made a name for himself as one of the most exciting young talents in European football. He made his debut for Besiktas at the tender age of 17 and has since made significant progress in his career. This season alone, he has featured in 28 matches across all competitions, contributing two goals and six assists, with 16 of those appearances coming as a starter.
His breakout season came last year when he scored 12 goals in 30 outings, playing an instrumental role in Besiktas' triumphs in both the Turkish Cup and the Super Cup. Kilicsoy's versatility is one of his standout attributes, allowing him to excel as both a centre-forward and a winger, making him an appealing target for clubs looking to bolster their attacking options. His talent has not gone unnoticed on the international stage, as he was recently called up to Turkey's squad for Euro 2024, following his senior debut last year.
Despite his rapid ascent, Kilicsoy remains under contract with Besiktas until 2026, having signed a four-year deal just a year ago. Aston Villa's interest in him underscores their ambition to integrate a promising player into their forward lineup, which currently boasts talents such as Ollie Watkins, Jhon Duran, and Donyell Malen. The club is currently positioned eighth in the Premier League and harbours aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages this season.
In a related development, Aston Villa have also turned down a £7 million bid for one of their defenders, signalling their intent to maintain a robust squad as they navigate the final stages of the transfer window. This proactive approach reflects the club's commitment to strengthening their ranks while ensuring they remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.