Chelsea have received a boost in their bid to potentially sign Juventus star Kenan Yildiz next year.
The attacker has been heavily linked to the Blues and other clubs in the Premier League.
However, last month, it was reported that Yildiz wants to stay at Juventus in what appeared to be a blow to Chelsea and a few of their English rivals.
Unfortunately for the 20-year-old, though, he may not get his wish, with talks over a new contract not exactly going to plan.
Kenan Yildiz during Juventus game
Photo by Luigi Rizzo/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Kenan Yildiz’s entourage halt contract talks
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, after a lack of progress, Juventus and Yildiz’s entourage have decided to stop contract discussions.
That is great news for Chelsea, who are willing to challenge Real Madrid and Arsenal for the player’s signature next summer, as per the Italian outlet.
Right now, the Club World Cup winners have Cole Palmer and Facundo Buonanotte for the No.10 position, but the former is out injured, while the latter is only at Stamford Bridge on loan.
However, ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League tie against Barcelona, Enzo Maresca is hoping to have Palmer back.
Amid his absence, Joao Pedro has also been used as an attacking midfielder.
Joao Pedro during Chelsea vs Wolves
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Kenan Yildiz a better fit for No.10 position than Joao Pedro
Pedro has not done a bad job in the No.10 role, filling in for the injured Palmer. However, while the Brazilian does like to drop deep, you do get the impression that he also wants to be in the box scoring goals.
Compared to Yildiz, the Turkey international may just be a more natural fit for the position than Pedro.
His game probably has a bit more creativity, with Yildiz averaging more key passes per league match than the 24-year-old.
Player League games Minutes Goals Assists Key passes per game Dribbles per game
Kenan Yildiz 10 827 2 3 2.4 1.5
Joao Pedro 11 934 4 3 1.3 0.8
Via Kenan Yildiz’s WhoScored and Joao Pedro’s WhoScored pages
When he is fit, though, Palmer is obviously going to be the first-choice option in that position. Over the last two seasons, there has not been a better No.10 in the Premier League. It is something for Yildiz to think about amid Chelsea’s interest in him.