Arsenal are considering a new approach for Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, according to reports. The Premier League champions’ transfer plans were dealt a major blow this week as Vinicius Junior decided to extend his contract with Real Madrid.
Arsenal's transfer situation
Mikel Arteta has already strengthened the left side of his attack with the £34 million signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. But Arsenal remain in the market for another left-sided attacker having missed out on a deal for Vinicius Jr.
According to The Times, Arsenal are now weighing up a fresh move for Yildiz after failing with their initial enquiry earlier this summer. The report claims that Arsenal approached Juventus in June but the Serie A club made it clear that they do not want to sell the Turkey international.
Yildiz's situation at Juventus
Juventus are also in a strong negotiating position as Yildiz signed a new contract in February, which keeps him tied to the club until 2030. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all considered a move for Yildiz a year ago but Juventus had demanded a €100m (£85.7m) transfer fee.
Yildiz made three appearances for Turkey at the World Cup this summer but his preparations for the tournament were disrupted by a calf injury. The 21-year-old, who received Serie A’s ‘Rising Star’ award for the best Under-23 player in the division last season, has also been dealing with a knee problem which has hampered his return to pre-season.
Coach's comments
‘He is a very important footballer for us,’ Juventus head coach, Luciano Spalletti, said this week. ‘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.’
