Arsenal now join Tottenham in race to sign ‘very powerful’ wonderkid who could cost £25m

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Arsenal have been scouting some of Europe’s most talented teenagers in recent months, with a view to improving both the first team and the academy.

It recently emerged that there will be extra focus on recruiting elite younger talent who could help improve the quality of the academy sides within Hale End, and some wonderkids are already on Arsenal’s radar.

Mikel Arteta is keen to add a striker to his squad, and whilst a senior option is still likely to be targeted, Arsenal could also add a younger option.

Arsenal are not alone when it comes to recruiting top young talents though, as rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid are also among the clubs scouting Besiktas teenager Semih Kilicsoy.

Arsenal are interested in Besiktas wonderkid Semih Kilicsoy

A report from CaughtOffiside has now revealed that Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are just some of the clubs interested in Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy.

The 18-year-old has scored 10 goals in 20 Turkish Super Lig appearances this season, and can play across the entire front three.

He also scored 42 times in 64 games for their under-19 side prior to his breakthrough this season, and is regarded as one of the top talents in Turkey.

Kilicsoy has been described as “very powerful,” with his physicality and ball striking noted as particularly impressive.

Why do Arsenal want Semih Kilicsoy?

Kilicsoy could reportedly cost up to £25m, meaning that he is unlikely to be signed to go into the academy as a top prospect, but would arrive as an option for the first team.

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Arsenal already have an outstanding teenage prospect in Chido-Obi Martin for the long term, but if Kilicsoy is seen as a versatile attacker rather than a centre-forward, his potential arrival is unlikely to affect his development.

Gabriel Jesus has been touted as a player who could leave, and perhaps Arsenal are keeping an eye on a potential replacement of a similar profile, but given his price tag, and the fact that a main striker such as Alexander Isak may be on the club’s wishlist, it would be a surprise to see this transfer happening in the summer.