Besiktas have moved ahead of AS Monaco financially in the race to sign Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis, but the Algeria international is understood to prefer a transfer to the Ligue 1 club.
Transfer journalist Daniele Longo reports that Besiktas have improved their proposal to Frosinone and are now offering €14m, with a further €1m available in bonuses. That package would put the Turkish club in a stronger position financially than Monaco, who remain interested in the player.
However, Ghedjemis is reportedly attracted by the prospect of moving to Istanbul but would rather join Monaco if an agreement can be reached.
The reported figures differ from an earlier valuation published by Sport Mediaset. That report described the Besiktas offer as €11m plus €5m in bonuses. Despite the discrepancy between the two figures, both reports indicate that Besiktas have made a significant offer and are competing seriously for the winger.
Frosinone have been seeking between €18m and €20m for Ghedjemis after securing promotion. The club have already rejected approaches from Celtic and Rangers as they hold out for a fee closer to their valuation.
The uncertainty around the winger’s future affected his involvement at the weekend. Ghedjemis was left out of Frosinone’s matchday squad altogether for their Serie A opening fixture against Juventus, having started the previous week’s Coppa Italia tie.
Frosinone director Renzo Castagnini said the player’s situation in the transfer market had influenced the decision to omit him.
“Ghedjemis is a little distracted by the market right now, so we preferred to leave him out,”director Renzo Castagnini told media.
“We’ll continue talking tomorrow, but it’s nothing extraordinary, this is the transfer market.”
Ghedjemis’ absence came as negotiations over his next club continued, with Besiktas seeking to persuade Frosinone to accept their improved offer while Monaco remain a possible destination because of the player’s preference.
Frosinone must now decide whether Besiktas’ proposed €14m fee, plus €1m in potential bonuses, is sufficient to meet their demands or whether to continue discussions with Monaco and other interested clubs. The Italian side’s previous decision to turn down Celtic and Rangers suggests they remain unwilling to sell below their preferred price.
For Ghedjemis, the next stage of the transfer talks will determine whether he moves to Istanbul with Besiktas or gets the opportunity to join Monaco in Ligue 1. Although Besiktas currently lead the financial contest, the winger’s personal choice means the French club have not been ruled out.
