Arsenal are plotting a major summer move to sign Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, with manager Mikel Arteta identifying the young star as his primary transfer target.
Reliable journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that the Premier League winners are prepared to spend up to £86 million to bring the 21-year-old to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Yildiz has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents since breaking into the Juventus first team in 2023, quickly establishing himself as a key player.
He netted his first goal in a starting role during a 2-1 victory over Frosinone in December 2023 and has not looked back since that breakthrough performance.
Despite Juventus suffering a decline in form and a series of managerial changes in recent seasons, Yildiz has remained a consistent presence in the starting lineup throughout it all.
His performances in the recently concluded season earned him a 7.39 rating on Sofascore, a place in their team of the season, and 21 goal contributions across all competitions.
Tavolieri reports that Arteta views Yildiz as his ‘dream target’ to bolster Arsenal’s attacking options, with the club seeking a left winger this summer.
Although Juventus reportedly rebuffed initial interest from the Gunners, Arsenal remain firmly in the race and are ready to commit serious funds to get the deal done.
Former Manchester United striker and 30-cap Italian international Giuseppe Rossi has been full of praise for the Turkish international, describing him as a genuine generational talent.
Rossi said, “A super Yildiz. The Turk is a phenomenon and will be a Ballon d’Or winner in the future: he’s 20, but he plays like a 30-year-old with 100 Champions League appearances.”
Yildiz’s versatility is a key factor in Arsenal’s pursuit, as he is capable of playing across the frontline and in attacking midfield positions to suit different tactical setups.
His off-ball intensity and commitment make him a natural fit for the high-pressing, demanding system that Arteta has built at Arsenal over recent years.
Should Arsenal complete the signing, Yildiz would slot into what could become a truly formidable attacking unit alongside Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka at the Emirates.