Arsenal will have a representative in the stands to see Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy in action on Sunday, according to Scouts in Attendance.
The Twitter account claims that Gunners scouts “will watch” the 18-year-old when Besiktas take on Galatasaray in the Istanbul derby this weekend:
#arsenal #nufc #bvb #atleti scouts will watch 18yo Besiktas FW Semih Kılıçsoy v Galatasaray on Sun pic.twitter.com/NZKDJ4Un6x
— Scouts in Attendance (@scoutsattending) February 28, 2024
Arsenal will not be the only team keeping an eye on Kilicsoy, with Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid also said to be sending observers to the game.
Who is Semih Kilicsoy?
The 18-year-old made a big impression in the Under 19 Super Lig last season, scoring 20 goals in just 19 appearances. It led Besiktas to hand him his senior debut in February last year.
Kilicsoy did not start a game for the Turkish side but he finished the campaign having made four appearances in total.
The forward suffered a heel injury at the start of this season which prevented him from featuring that often before the beginning of December. However, after making his first start against Alanyaspor right before Christmas, he has quickly established himself as a regular starter.
In 24 appearances, Kilicsoy has hit the back of the net 10 times, including goals in his last two league games.
Arsenal could sign him as backup for Martinelli
Although the teenager is a centre-forward, Besiktas have decided to deploy him right across the front three, and some of his best performances have come when playing on the left wing, cutting in onto his stronger right foot.
Kilicsoy could provide some competition for Gabriel Martinelli whilst also being able to play in more central positions if needed.