Arsenal have a definite interest in Juventus magician Kenan Yildiz, but Manchester United could get ahead of the pack by making a sensational bid of €100 million.
Yildiz has become a target for the top clubs in the Premier League, as he is yet to commit his long-term future to Juventus. The two parties have held several rounds of contract negotiations, but have not been able to reach an agreement.
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Yildiz reportedly earns just €56,000 a week, and he wants a significant pay rise that reflects his position as one of Serie A’s best players.
However, Juventus believe that the versatile attacker – who can play as a left winger or second striker – is asking for too much money. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have noticed this earlier this year.
Spanish website Fichajes reports that United have “set their sights on” Yildiz, in what will be “one of the most ambitious transfers of the last decade”.
Manchester United are preparing an “astronomical” bid of €100 million to shock their rivals in the Premier League and put themselves in a strong position to secure Yildiz.
The Red Devils believe that such money will convince Juventus to let their “star player” go. United will also be able to offer Yildiz the financial package he is looking for.
United’s scouts see the 20-year-old as a future world-class superstar, as he is capable of scoring incredible goals and is already a key player for Juventus. Yildiz was rewarded for his lightning-fast rise in December 2024, when he won the Golden Boy Web award.
The report suggests that Yildiz could form a lethal attacking partnership with the likes of Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes. If a move to Old Trafford is completed, the Turkish star is likely to compete with Matheus Cunha for the role of left-winger number 10.
Manchester United more likely to bid for Antoine Semenyo first
That United would actually bid €100 million for Yildiz would be a big surprise, however, as they prioritise strengthening in central midfield and at wing-back.
They are expected to sign a midfielder such as Rúben Neves, João Gomes or Conor Gallagher in January to give Ruben Amorim’s team a mid-season boost. Then, in the summer, United will look to make a statement by signing one of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton or Carlos Baleba.
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If United are to sign a striker in 2026, it is more likely to be Antoine Semenyo than Yildiz.
Not only can Semenyo play as a wing-back, winger or number 10, he will also cost less than Yildiz as he has a £65 million release clause in his contract with Bournemouth.
If Yildiz is to move to England, it seems more likely that it will be with Arsenal or Chelsea.
Arsenal have added Yildiz to their shortlist as they work to sign a top-class replacement for Gabriel Martinelli.
We understand that Chelsea made an offer of €70 million for Yildiz in the summer, which was rejected as Juventus only want to sell for at least €90 million.
Our sources revealed in November that Chelsea are ready to hold new talks with Yildiz’s agents as soon as they are told that his negotiations with Juventus have come to a complete halt.
The pressure on Juventus to enter into new terms with the champion is definitely increasing, because otherwise they will lose him to the riches of the Premier League.
