REUTERS/Tony O Brien
Arsenal are in the market to strengthen their attacking options once again, and the left wing remains a priority for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners pushed to seal a deal for Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Jr during the summer, but the England international opted to join Chelsea in a £117m deal instead, while Vini Jr signed a new contract with Real Madrid after some tense negotiations.
Arsenal were able to bring in Greek youngster Christos Tzolis to strengthen, but after losing Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus, the attack is weaker this season than it was last year when they won the Premier League title.
It's understood that Arsenal remain interested in bringing in a new forward to bolster their options for the second half of the season, and one name who has been considered as an option is Kenan Yildiz.
The Turkey international enjoyed a stellar campaign in Serie A last season, registering 11 goals and ten assists across the campaign. That saw the north London club strongly linked with a move, but Juventus were adamant that the young forward would not be sold, having handed him a new long-term contract.
Arsenal made contact in the summer but were met with a firm refusal, and now face added competition for his signature from the likes of Real Madrid, with president Florentino Perez a big fan of the 21-year-old.
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But Arsenal are 'ready to go crazy' in January to convince Juventus and Yildiz that the Emirates Stadium is the place to be, and are understood to be ready to make a €100m (£87m) bid for his services, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
Arteta believes that the forward's versatility would be a huge bonus to the squad, as he is able to play on both wings, as a number ten, or as a central striker. Juventus don't want to sell, and are willing to offer the player another pay-rise to keep him. But financially they can't compete with the Premier League side, which could make it difficult to get their way.
Yildiz Would Be a True Statement Signing
Kenan Yildiz
Arsenal haven't been afraid to splash the cash in recent transfer windows, and Arteta has shown that he is very particular with the type of player he wants in his squad.
A player like Yildiz is a genuine superstar, and has the ability to win games of football on his own. It's no surprise that he has been tipped to one day win the Ballon d'Or by former Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi.
“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 thirty-year-old with a hundred Champions League appearances. I have a soft spot for his ability to attempt a beautiful play for the good of the team, not just for the applause. Juventus is Yildiz plus ten others; in terms of impact, he’s a bit like the Lamine Yamal of the Bianconeri.”