In a significant development for European football transfers, Turkish club Besiktas and English Premier League side Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement on the transfer fee for Belgian international forward Johan Bakayoko. The deal, however, is not yet finalized, with personal terms between Besiktas and Bakayoko remaining the sole hurdle. This news was widely reported by European football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his social media channels on December 5th (Korean time).
Transfer Fee Details and Remaining Negotiations
The agreed-upon transfer fee between the two clubs is understood to be around 20 million euros. This figure comprises a fixed base fee of 18 million euros, with an additional 2 million euros in potential add-ons and performance-related bonuses. While the clubs have settled on a valuation, the transfer is contingent on Bakayoko agreeing to the contract terms offered by Besiktas. Negotiations are ongoing, and a final decision is anticipated to be made after the conclusion of the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
Johan Bakayoko’s World Cup Campaign
Johan Bakayoko is currently representing Belgium in the FIFA World Cup. The Belgian national team has advanced to the knockout stages of the tournament, securing a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Senegal in their opening match on December 2nd. Bakayoko has been a key contributor for Belgium during the competition, recording two goals and one assist so far. Belgium’s next challenge in the Round of 16 is a match against co-hosts the United States, scheduled for December 7th at the Seattle Stadium.
Previous Reports and Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy
Prior to Romano’s report, European sports media outlet ‘beIN Sports’ had also indicated on December 4th that the transfer talks between Besiktas and Arsenal were progressing positively. They reported that the clubs were nearing an agreement in the region of 20 million euros for Bakayoko’s transfer. However, it was emphasized that the deal was not yet confirmed, as Besiktas had not yet reached an agreement with Bakayoko on personal terms.
Speculation has also surfaced suggesting that Bakayoko might prefer to remain in the Premier League if he were to leave Arsenal. Arsenal’s management, meanwhile, is reportedly looking to sign a more potent left-winger during the summer transfer window to potentially replace Bakayoko. This indicates a strategic shift in Arsenal’s squad planning, with a focus on strengthening the attacking options.
Bakayoko’s Career Path and Contract Status
Johan Bakayoko, born in 1994, joined Arsenal from Brighton in January 2023 for a reported fee of 24 million euros. His current contract with Arsenal extends until June 2027, meaning he has just over one season remaining on his deal. In the 2025-2026 season, Bakayoko made 31 Premier League appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists. While these are respectable numbers, they have been viewed by some as not quite cementing his status as an undisputed starter.
Besiktas’s Squad Reinforcement and Coaching Changes
Besiktas is keen on securing Bakayoko’s signature to bolster their squad for the upcoming season. The club recently parted ways with manager Sergen Yalcin, citing dissatisfaction with the team’s performance in the 2025-2026 season. Yalcin was the figure who brought Korean national team striker Oh Hyeon-gyu to Genk from the Belgian league during the winter transfer window. Oh Hyeon-gyu has since performed well for his new club, scoring 6 goals and providing 1 assist in 13 league appearances in the latter half of the season.
Besiktas finished fourth in the regular league last season, trailing Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Trabzonspor. Despite this, they secured qualification for the Europa League. In a move to strengthen their leadership, the club appointed Italian manager Vincenzo Italiano as their new head coach last month.
Conclusion
The potential transfer of Johan Bakayoko from Arsenal to Besiktas is nearing a critical juncture. With the clubs having agreed on a transfer fee, the focus now shifts entirely to the player’s personal negotiations. Bakayoko’s performance at the World Cup could influence the final terms, and his decision will shape both Arsenal’s and Besiktas’s attacking strategies for the next season. The coming days are expected to bring clarity to this high-profile transfer saga.
