Arsenal are interested in Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, but they do not want to sell the 20-year-old winger and are set to open talks with him over a new contract
Kenan Yildiz
Arsenal are interested in Kenan Yildiz(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Juventus are reportedly planning to offer Kenan Yildiz a new contract in a bid to ward off interest from clubs like Arsenal. Yildiz enjoyed an impressive campaign for Juventus this season, producing 16 goal contributions in 48 appearances across all competitions.
The 20-year-old is attracting interest from a number of sides across Europe and Arsenal are among them, with Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen his forward line this summer. Italian outlet Tuttosport are reporting that Arsenal are the club who are 'most interested' in Yildiz.
The Gunners are said to have a longstanding interest in Yildiz and are ready to spend between €50million (£42m) and €60m (£50.5m) on a new winger. It is claimed that Yildiz and Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams are Arsenal's top targets.
However, Juventus believe Yildiz is worth closer to €100m (£84m) and they are ready to open talks with the Turkey international over a new deal which could see him double his salary.
Juventus endured a disappointing campaign as they finished fourth in Serie A, but they finished the season strongly after Igor Tudor replaced Thiago Motta as manager in March. Juventus have lost just one game under Tudor and Yildiz has spoken highly of the Croatian.
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"He gave us energy, it was important for us," Yildiz told DAZN last month about Tudor's impact. "Since he arrived, we've been happy, we've been working hard. I'm happy with this season, but I want to improve in everything.
"I'm always looking ahead. The No.10 shirt doesn't add any pressure. I play as usual and I'm happy to be wearing it."
Arsenal, meanwhile, have yet to make any new signings but Arteta has told fans that this summer's transfer window will be a "big one" for the club. "It's going to be a big one and we are very excited about it," he said.
Mikel Arteta watching his Arsenal team
Mikel Arteta is set for a busy summer in the transfer market
"When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.
"Every summer is big because it is an opportunity – and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.
"But it’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team."
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