Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella has offered a significant endorsement of Kenan Yıldız, describing the 21-year-old as a player with the potential to become "one of the world's top players." Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport on 24 September, the manager addressed the tactical evolution of the Juventus attacker. "He has the talent; he has the potential of a great player," Montella said. "Kenan will become one of the world's top players. Maybe today Kenan isn't a classic No. 10, but at that age, you change, you transform, and you can play as a 10 even starting from the wing and cutting inside."
Juventus stance on forward's future
Despite his escalating profile in European football, Yıldız remains central to the long-term plans at the Allianz Stadium. Juventus have consistently rebuffed inquiries regarding the Turkish international, most notably during the summer 2026 transfer window when informal interest from Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, was registered. The Serie A side’s resolve was bolstered significantly in June 2026, when the player signed a new contract extending his commitment to the club until 30 June 2030. This renewal served as a definitive signal of intent from the Italian giants, who view the former Bayern Munich youth prospect as a cornerstone of their ongoing sporting project.
Tactical development and market context
Arsenal's previous interest was driven by Mikel Arteta’s desire for a versatile, creative left-sided attacker, a profile Yıldız fits given his ability to operate across the attacking line. However, any potential pursuit is currently complicated by the player's status as a key asset with significant job security. Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has been resolute in his public commentary, stating earlier in the summer that the club has no appetite to negotiate a sale, regardless of the financial offers presented. With Yıldız currently sidelined due to a broken foot, attention has shifted from recruitment speculation to his recovery, with the player expected to remain in Turin for the duration of the current campaign. Juventus have effectively leveraged his contract status to insulate themselves from market pressure, maintaining that he is not for sale.
