Beşiktaş and Galatasaray in Transfer Race for Matvey Kislyak as CSKA Moscow Demand Huge Fee

Beşiktaş, keen to strengthen their squad, are reportedly preparing to make a renewed move for CSKA Moscow's Matvey Kislyak. The Istanbul club are said to be planning fresh contact in November over a deal for the 21-year-old Russian midfielder. Galatasaray are also allegedly closely monitoring the young star, whose market value is put at around €25 million.

Born in 2005, Matvey Kislyak came through the CSKA Moscow academy and quickly rose to the first team. Primarily a central midfielder, the youngster can also operate as a number 10 or as a defensive midfielder. The talented player, who has also featured for the Russia national team, is under contract with his club until 2029.

According to reports in the Russian media, a Beşiktaş board representative will travel to Moscow in November to discuss a deal for Kislyak. Having failed to reach an agreement during the summer transfer window, the Beşiktaş officials aim to sit down with the Russian club's executives again and push for better terms. Beşiktaş reportedly made two offers for the player over the summer, but the process collapsed due to CSKA Moscow's high demands.

In their first approach, Beşiktaş allegedly offered a €2 million loan fee and an €18 million purchase option, while CSKA Moscow were said to be demanding a €40 million transfer fee paid up front. Towards the end of the window, Beşiktaş revised their offer, proposing a total package worth €30 million consisting of a €5 million loan fee, a €20 million purchase fee the following year and €5 million in bonuses, but once again no agreement was reached.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray have reportedly also added the young Russian midfielder to their transfer list and made initial contact. In addition to Galatasaray, Serie A side Bologna are said to have the player on their radar. CSKA Moscow are reportedly asking for a transfer fee of at least €35 million plus a sell-on clause for the young star, and are also insisting that the majority of that amount be paid up front.