Arsenal are maintaining interest in Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, according to reports in Corriere dello Sport. The 21-year-old is considered a long-term target for the Gunners, who are continuing to assess options to bolster their attacking depth. Juventus, however, have adopted a firm stance, placing a valuation of approximately £85m on the Turkey international.
Yildiz, who is under contract with the Serie A side until 2030, has attracted persistent attention from European clubs, including an inquiry from Real Madrid in the summer of 2025. Arsenal’s pursuit remains in the exploratory stages, complicated by both the player's recovery from a significant foot injury and the Italian club's reluctance to sanction a sale. The Premier League side reshaped their attack during the summer of 2026, signing Christos Tzolis following the departures of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus, but the club's scouting department continues to monitor Yildiz as a potential addition for future windows.
Juventus Stance and Injury Setback
Any immediate prospect of a deal is effectively suspended due to Yildiz's physical condition. In late August 2026, it was confirmed that the forward had suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot, an injury that required surgery and a projected three-month recovery period. This timeline, which targets a return to action in late November, rendered a move impossible during the final stages of the summer window and ensures the player will focus on rehabilitation before any potential transfer discussions resume.
The Juventus hierarchy has been vocal in rejecting speculation surrounding his departure. General manager Damien Comolli described Yildiz as “untouchable” and “at the centre of our project,” confirming that the club would not entertain offers even at the €100m mark. Manager Luciano Spalletti has adopted an equally dismissive tone regarding interest from external suitors, stating: “They can offer whatever they like, I want Yildiz here and will always put him on the field.”
Squad Context and Tactical Fit
Arsenal's interest follows a busy summer in which Mikel Arteta sought to overhaul his attacking options. Alongside the signing of Tzolis, Arsenal's recruitment team had considered several other targets, having been linked with Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers. While the club successfully integrated new defensive and midfield reinforcements—most notably Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, and Piero Hincapie—the left-wing position remains an area where the coaching staff continues to evaluate long-term competition. Whether Arsenal formalises their interest in Yildiz will largely depend on his reintegration into the Juventus first team following his recovery and the club's evolving priorities as they approach the January transfer window.
