Arsenal are prepared to pounce and make a move for Juventus attacking midfielder Kenan Yildiz if the Old Lady are forced to sell the Turkey international
Kenan Yildiz has been linked with a move to Arsenal
Kenan Yildiz has been linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
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Juventus could be forced to sell Arsenal target Kenan Yildiz if they fail to secure Champions League qualification.
Yildiz, 21, has been at Juve for the last four years, following his move from Bayern Munich. During that time, he has become arguably the club's most important player, scoring 27 goals and providing 21 assists in 132 appearances.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been linked with Yildiz for some time now, having first 'considered' a move for the Turkey international back in 2023. The
But now, according to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus might need to sell Yildiz if they be unable to qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season.
Juve finished fifth in Serie A during the 2025/26 campaign and therefore secured qualification for the Europa League. After a mixed start to this season, the Old Lady sit seventh on 10 points from their opening five matches and there is a realistic chance they could miss out on Europe's elite club competition once again.
It's thought that Arsenal are interested in a move for Yildiz and are ready to pounce if Juve have to sell. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are 'studying a summer raid' on a deal worth £86million, and Bayern Munich are among the others interested, despite him leaving after 10 years in the academy at the Allianz Arena.
Another season out of the Champions League is believed to trigger a sale, although Yildiz still has more than three-and-a-half years left on his contract and could cost a huge fee.
Arsenal were reported to be in for Yildiz across the recent summer transfer window, but Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti closed the door on the rumours linking him with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Kenan Yildiz
Kenan Yildiz has been linked with a move to Arsenal
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Spalletti said on August 23: "I experience it calmly because the player is Yildiz. From my point of view, it's simple, they can offer whatever they want, I want to be able to field Yildiz next season.
"Yildiz is a guy who is perfect to have mature conversations with. And consequently, he knows very well that he shouldn't rush anything, that he shouldn't speed anything up. His future is already important at Juventus."
Yildiz has made one appearance for Juventus this season, having missed the last five across all competitions with a broken foot. It's unclear when the 2005-born talent will be back in action.
Arsenal, however, return after the international break when they host Leeds United on Saturday.