Monaco have increased their efforts to sign Algerian winger Fares Ghezimes from Italian club Frosinone, submitting a new proposal after their initial offer was rejected.
The 23-year-old has become one of the most sought-after players of the summer transfer window, with Monaco and Turkish club Besiktas now leading the race for his signature.
Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers had also shown interest, but both have now withdrawn from the competition, leaving Monaco and Besiktas to contest the transfer.
Ghezimes’ growing reputation follows a successful campaign with Frosinone, during which he played an important part in the club’s promotion to Serie A.
His profile has risen further after he was called up to the Algeria national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Those developments have increased interest in the winger, with his performances and international involvement making him an attractive target for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.
Monaco return with improved proposal
According to Foot Mercato, Monaco have returned with a second offer for Ghezimes after Frosinone rejected their initial proposal.
The French club are determined to complete the transfer as they look to replace former player Maghnas Akliouch, who joined Paris Saint-Germain during the current summer window.
Ghezimes is understood to be a priority target for Monaco as they seek a replacement capable of filling the attacking role left by Akliouch.
The latest proposal demonstrates the French club’s determination to complete the deal despite Frosinone’s rejection of their first approach.
However, Monaco are facing significant competition from Besiktas, who have also opened negotiations with the Italian club.
The Turkish side are reportedly offering a more attractive package than Monaco, both financially and in terms of the proposed contractual conditions.
That has given Besiktas a strong position in the negotiations, although Ghezimes’ personal preference currently appears to favour a move to France.
Ghezimes prefers Monaco move
Despite the stronger financial proposal from Besiktas, the Algerian winger is reportedly giving priority to Monaco.
Ghezimes is said to be attracted by the prospect of joining the French club and continuing his career in the French league.
His preference could prove important as Monaco attempt to overcome Besiktas’ superior offer and convince Frosinone to agree to a transfer.
However, the winger has not completely closed the door on a move to Turkey.
Ghezimes would reportedly consider Besiktas if the club were to improve its financial proposal or if Monaco’s negotiations ultimately fail.
That leaves the transfer race open, with the player’s preference currently providing Monaco with an advantage but Besiktas retaining an opportunity to change the situation.
For Frosinone, the interest from several clubs represents an opportunity to secure a significant fee for a player who remains under contract for several more years.
Frosinone hold contract until 2028
Ghezimes is contracted to Frosinone until the summer of 2028.
According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is estimated at €7.5m.
His long-term contract gives Frosinone a strong negotiating position as Monaco and Besiktas compete for his services.
The winger’s value has increased following his contribution to Frosinone’s promotion to Serie A and his subsequent involvement with Algeria at the 2026 World Cup.
Those achievements have helped turn him into one of the notable Algerian players attracting attention in the European transfer market.
The withdrawal of Celtic and Rangers has reduced the number of clubs involved, but the battle between Monaco and Besiktas remains intense.
Monaco’s renewed offer indicates that the French side are unwilling to abandon their pursuit after the rejection of their first proposal.
Besiktas, meanwhile, can point to a more lucrative financial package and improved contractual terms as they attempt to persuade both Frosinone and the player.
Ultimately, Ghezimes’ preference for Monaco could be decisive if the two clubs reach similar positions in negotiations.
But if Besiktas increase their financial offer or Monaco fail to reach an agreement with Frosinone, the Algerian could still move to Turkey.
For now, the 23-year-old remains a Frosinone player, with his future likely to become one of the more closely watched transfer stories involving an Algerian international this summer.
