Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to sign Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz next summer, though any deal would come at a significant cost. According to reporting from Italy, the Gunners would lead the race for the 21-year-old Turkey international, who is valued at around £125 million by the Serie A club.
Yildiz has been a regular in the Juventus side since breaking through as a teenager in the 2023/24 season. He has made over 100 appearances for the Italian giants and scored 11 goals in all competitions last season. His progress this term has been hampered by injury, having undergone surgery on a bone in his foot in late August, limiting him to just one appearance so far.
Return expected before end of year
The winger is expected to return before the end of the year and is set to be a key player once again for Juventus. However, there is a possibility he could move on next summer, with the club needing to balance the books through player sales after breaching UEFA financial sustainability rules.
Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus need to make a number of smaller sales or secure a huge transfer fee for one player next year. Arsenal are keen on the winger, as are Tottenham, but the Gunners would have the best chance of winning the race for a player Juventus want around £125 million for.
Di Marzio on Yildiz's future
Speaking to wettfreunde.net, Di Marzio said: 'Yıldız could be a deal in the summer because Juventus needs to sell one player or need to earn €70-80 million (£58.5m-£66.9m) from the transfer market. They can sell three or four together, or sell one.'
He added: 'They got Alajbegovic for that position and role because they're preparing for the possibility of Yıldız leaving.'
'Arsenal and Tottenham, in the summer, asked Juventus the price. They were ready to offer more than €100 million (£83.6m) if Juventus opened the door for this deal.'
'If Juventus will sell Yıldız, he will be valued around €150 million (£125.4m) and I think Arsenal is one of the clubs that is more interested in him. Tottenham too but Arsenal I think will lead the race.'
Arsenal's left-wing search
Arsenal were linked with a blockbuster move for Vinicius Jr over the summer as they searched for a new left winger, but the Brazilian stayed with Real Madrid. Christos Tzolis arrived from Club Brugge, but the Gunners will likely look to strengthen in that position next year, with Yildiz firmly on their list of targets.
