Monaco join Besiktas at front of race for Fares Ghedjemis

Monaco have increased their offer for Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis as the French club step up their efforts to win a four-way battle for the Algeria international.

Besiktas, Celtic and Glasgow Rangers are also competing for the 23-year-old, but the main contest currently appears to be between Monaco and Besiktas. Frosinone are holding out for a fee approaching €20m before agreeing to sell the player.

According to Football Italia, Monaco have improved their proposal for Ghedjemis, who will turn 24 next month. The Italian club are understood to be close to receiving a payment of up to €20m for the winger, whose value has risen sharply during the summer transfer window.

Frosinone rejected offers worth €8m for Ghedjemis in January. His valuation has since more than doubled after a season in which his performances helped the club secure promotion to Serie A.

Ghedjemis scored 15 goals and provided three assists in 37 appearances in Italy’s second tier. Those figures have made him one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market, with Frosinone determined to secure a substantial return from his departure.

Celtic and Rangers have both made several approaches for the Algerian, but Frosinone turned down their offers. The Scottish clubs remain interested, although the focus of the negotiations has increasingly shifted towards Monaco and Besiktas.

Besiktas, managed by Vincenzo Italiano, are reported to be offering the player more favourable personal terms. However, Belgian transfer-market expert Santi Aouna says Ghedjemis would prefer a move to Monaco.

Frosinone are willing to wait while the interested clubs compete for the winger’s signature. The Italian side believe continued competition will push the eventual transfer fee higher, with the asking price now moving closer to €20m.

The situation leaves Monaco seeking to turn their improved offer into an agreement, while Besiktas attempt to use their stronger proposed personal package to change Ghedjemis’ preference. Celtic and Rangers have already seen their bids rejected, leaving them needing to improve their proposals if they are to re-enter the race.

Frosinone’s stance reflects the rapid increase in Ghedjemis’ market value. Six months ago, the club rejected an €8m bid; following his 15-goal campaign and the team’s promotion to Serie A, they now expect more than twice that amount for a player who has become the centre of one of the summer’s most competitive transfer contests.