Arsenal are on the move. The north London club does not want to be left behind as Europe’s giants begin to shake up the market. Mikel Arteta and his technical team have already identified several positions to strengthen, and one of the priorities seems to be on the wings.
With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard occupying the left side, one might think there is no rush. But at the Emirates, they think long term. Versatility, goalscoring and pace are on the wish list. And now there is one name gaining traction: Kenan Yildiz, the Turkish gem of Italian football.
Juventus Eager to Retain Star as Arsenal Push for Transfer Deal
According to Caught Offside, Kenan Yildiz’s name appears on Arsenal’s list of targets to strengthen their wing attack. The presence of Matteo Tognozzi, former head of scouting at Juventus and a key figure in the Turkish player’s arrival in Turin, seems to have opened up that possibility. Tognozzi is very close to joining Andrea Berta’s team in London, and his arrival could weigh heavily on the deal.
Yildiz had a positive season with 16 goals and assists combined between club and national team, and can play on both the left and right. Juventus values him at €80 million, but Arsenal does not want to pay more than €60 million.
Opinion:
Tognozzi’s possible arrival in London is no minor detail. If anyone can convince Yildiz and facilitate the move, it is him. He knows the player, believes in his potential and would know where to fit him in. That confidence cannot be bought. But we must also be realistic.
Nico Williams has more experience, and Rodrygo is already established at the highest level. Both seem to be a step ahead of the young Turk in terms of current performance. The question is the price. Paying €80 million for Yildiz, a player who has not yet fully blossomed, is risky. Especially when you consider that there are already two strong left-wingers in the team.
If Arsenal sees Yildiz as a real option, the ideal thing would be to negotiate. Push for €60 million, with variables if necessary, but without giving in to a figure that Juventus is using more as a shield than as a real value. Yildiz has talent, that is not in question. But he cannot arrive with the pressure of having to justify every euro from day one. He is young, he needs room to grow. If they sign him, let it be to grow with him, not to fill gaps.
At the moment, Rodrygo seems like a pipe dream. Nico Williams is also slipping away, even though his clause is lower. Financial doubts, and above all salary doubts, make Yildiz more sensible. He has potential, can play in various areas of the attack and his arrival would be linked to a key figure such as Tognozzi. But all that makes sense if the price is right. If Juventus insists on €80 million, then the club should wait. Martinelli and Trossard can cover the position in the meantime. The market always offers alternatives. Now, if they manage to close the deal for €60 million or less, it would be an interesting move. Not revolutionary, but smart.