Arsenal have set their sights on Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz after their ambitious pursuit of Vinicius Junior fell through. The Real Madrid star has opted to extend his contract with Los Blancos, leaving the Premier League champions to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.
Arsenal's interest in Yildiz
The Gunners are in the market for more firepower and have reportedly turned back to Yildiz, according to The Times. Arsenal failed with an initial enquiry for the 21-year-old earlier this summer and also considered a move for him 12 months ago. Juventus have previously valued the Turkey international at £85 million.
Mikel Arteta has reignited his interest and reviewed the situation back in June, but the Serie A club have made it clear they do not want to sell. Juventus are in no hurry to part ways with Yildiz, who is under contract until 2030 after signing an extension in February.
Yildiz's form and fitness
Yildiz scored 11 goals in 47 appearances last season and was named Serie A Rising Star of the Season. He made three appearances for Turkey at the World Cup this summer despite a calf injury disrupting his preparations.
Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti has underlined the winger's importance to the team as they manage his return to full fitness. "He is a very important footballer for us," Spalletti said. "For this reason, we are carefully managing his playing time, trying to build a correct schedule and work path to have him at his best throughout the season. But the fact that he is no longer in pain, that he is smiling and free to express his football is what makes us most happy."
Arsenal's summer spending
Arteta has already strengthened the left side of his attack by bringing in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34 million, complementing the squad's other wingers including Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke.
Arsenal have also added Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle in a deal worth £75 million. Another blockbuster signing this window could push the club's expenditure past the £200 million mark.
