Arsenal are actively chasing Juventus striker Kenan Yildiz, as Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen the left side of the attack this summer, according to Turkish-Football.
Yildiz delivered an outstanding season for Juventus in 2025/26, with 14 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. After a disappointing World Cup with Turkey, the 21-year-old is now ready to consider his future – while a number of major European clubs lurk in the wings, ready to strike for one of the continent’s biggest talents.
Read: Virgil van Dijk could be on his way out of Liverpool days after World Cup exit
Already earlier this summer, Yildiz was referred to as Arteta’s dream target on the left wing, and now Arsenal have taken the step further. The club has conducted a formal investigation of the player, and the interest is described as “concrete”.
However, Juventus are not keen on letting go of the Turkish star, and are reportedly demanding around €100 million – equivalent to £86 million – to even consider a sale.
Arteta wants to renew the left – Yildiz at the top of the list
It is clear that Arsenal want to get rid of at least one of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli this summer. Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta want to freshen up the team’s left side, and have already drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements.
Bradley Barcola has been heavily linked with the club, and it is also believed that Morgan Rogers could be used in the same position. However, both of these players are expected to cost significant sums of money – which has led Arsenal to look for alternatives.
According to Turkish-Football, Arsenal’s interest in Yildiz has intensified since Turkey’s World Cup exit, and the club are now ready to make a serious push to secure the player.
It remains to be seen how open Yildiz himself is to the transfer, but given Arsenal’s status as English champions – and very close Champions League winners – Arteta should have a good chance of luring the winger to the Emirates.
Juventus has the upper hand – and a huge price tag
Juventus, however, have all the cards in their hand. Yildiz signed a new long-term contract in Turin earlier this year, and the Italians value him well over €100 million (£86 million). They are in no hurry to sell – and can price Arsenal out of the market if necessary.
Why Yildiz may be a better fit than Barcola
Aston Villa have priced Morgan Rogers at a staggering £130 million, which probably makes an Arsenal transfer for the Englishman out of the question. Thus, Yildiz and Barcola are left as the two main targets for the left winger.
Despite all the hype surrounding the Frenchman, Yildiz could still be the wisest choice for Arteta.
Arteta preferred Trossard to Martinelli for much of last season – mainly because the Belgian offered something different with the ball. Martinelli and Barcola have very similar profiles: Both excel in space and in transitions, but have greater challenges in tight spaces.
Yildiz, on the other hand – described by football analyst Ben Mattinson as “dangerous” and by Giuseppe Rossi as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” – is far more comfortable playing in tight spaces and with the ball at his feet. Just like Trossard.
For purely stylistic reasons, Yildiz could therefore be a far more natural choice for Arsenal than Barcola. The question is whether they are willing to pay the price – because Juventus are unlikely to let him go for a cheap price.
