Ndidi Facing Besiktas Exit as Turkish Giants Target Arthur Melo

Besiktas are reportedly considering the departure of Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi as they pursue Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 Turkish Süper Lig season.

According to reports in Türkiye newspaper, Arthur has emerged as one of Besiktas’s targets following a request from head coach Vincenzo Italiano for another midfield option.

The Brazilian could reunite with Italiano, having worked under the Italian coach at Fiorentina during the 2023/24 season.

Arthur is reportedly open to returning to work with his former coach and has reacted positively to the possibility of joining the Turkish giants.

Juventus, meanwhile, are continuing to assess the 27-year-old’s future, with reports suggesting the Serie A club could be willing to sanction his departure.

Besiktas have already strengthened their squad this summer with the arrivals of Salih Özcan, Doğan Alemdar, İlhan Fakılı, Kassoum Ouattara, Alexander Nübel and Leandro Trossard, but Italiano is understood to want further reinforcement in midfield.

The potential arrival of Arthur could have major implications for Ndidi, who joined Beşiktaş last summer after leaving Leicester City.

The Nigerian midfielder is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, and Besiktas are said to be prepared to part ways with him if they can complete a deal for Arthur.

Ndidi has established himself as an experienced defensive midfielder during his career in Europe, particularly during his long spell at Leicester, where he won the FA Cup and played a key role in the club’s Premier League campaign.