Arsenal are ready to strike while the iron is hot and bolster their Premier League title-winning squad, with Mikel Arteta prioritising attack in the summer transfer window
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, gestures a thumbs up during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has his eyes on new signings(Image: Getty)
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Arsenal are free to make their move for Juventus playmaker Kenan Yildiz after Turkey were knocked out of the World Cup. Yildiz, 21, is reportedly Mikel Arteta's dream target for the summer transfer window, as the Gunners boss looks to refresh his attack ahead of the new season.
The trio of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have all entered the final year of their respective contracts with Arsenal and could be sold. A new left winger is being targeted, with Yildiz on the Premier League champions' shortlist alongside Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola and Christos Tzolis.
The playmaker, who can operate as either an attacking midfielder or a winger, has been a shining light for Juventus during a turbulent few years in Turin. Yildiz scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists last season, although not a single one came after the March international break.
Starting Turkey's World Cup campaign on the bench, the former Bayern Munich starlet broke into Vincenzo Montella's line-up for their next two matches. However, they were eliminated after just two games following back-to-back losses.
Now that Turkey's campaign has come to an end, Yildiz can focus on his future at club level. Juventus face a fight to keep hold of the 21-year-old amid interest from across Europe.
A report from Belgium states that Arsenal would be willing to spend a cool £86million on Yildiz. It's added that Arteta, who's known to like versatile players, considers him his dream signing.
In February, Yildiz signed a new contract with Juventus which keeps him at the Allianz Stadium until 2030. But Juve's sixth-placed finish, failing to qualify for the Champions League, has forced them change their transfer plans, potentially impacting Yildliz's future.
Before departing as Juventus CEO earlier this month, Damien Comolli told Italian outlet La Repubblica: "We will have to sell one more player than we had planned." Asked if that player could be Yildiz, Comolli replied: "Certainly not."
TURIN, ITALY - MAY 17: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Filippo Alfero - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
Kenan Yildiz would cost a pretty penny (Image: Filippo Alfero - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool and Real Madrid have also been tipped to sign the Turkey international and could challenge Arsenal. Gunners co-chairman Josh Kroenke has already confirmed they won't stand still after winning the Premier League title.
"When you win something, the sun's still going to come up the next day," Kroenke explained. "You've got to get back to work and there are many teams trying to gain on you, including some historically great ones around the Premier League.
"We're going to look to strengthen because we know teams around us are going to get better. If you're not trying to continually evolve and improve, you're standing still."
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