Arsenal could go head-to-head with Chelsea to sign Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz during the summer transfer window, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Turkey international has developed into a quality attacker during his time with the Bianconeri.
He registered 21 goal contributions during the previous campaign and has already managed seven goal involvements from 14 appearances this season.
Yildiz has been in contract talks with Juventus over the last few months, but it is now reported that negotiations have been put on hold due to differences over salary.
The attacker is one of Juventus’ lowest earners at around €1.7 million (£1.5m) per year, and he is eyeing at least €6m (£5.3m) per year to prolong his stay until the summer of 2030.
The Bianconeri are holding out for around €5m (£4.4m) annually, which has contributed to the stand-off. It is claimed that Chelsea, Arsenal and even Real Madrid could capitalise on this.
The Blues failed with a summer offer worth €67m (£59m) for Yildiz, and they are ready to return. The Blues are poised to face competition from the Gunners and Los Blancos.
Juventus, meanwhile, have not given up on a renewal for Yildiz. It is reported that a resolution could be found with the intervention of majority shareholder John Elkann.
If there is no progress, the Bianconeri could be prepared to sell Yildiz for €100m (£88m) next summer.
Yildiz speculation could be agent-driven
The Bayern Munich graduate began as a left-sided winger, but he has primarily operated as an attacking midfielder in a 3-4-2-1 formation for Juventus under multiple managers.
His versatility is obviously a big strength of his. The 20-year-old has likewise caught the eye with his quality distribution, ball recoveries and the knack of winning ground duels.
Yildiz has the traits to become an elite playmaker in the long run, and the Bianconeri are still in a strong position to keep him with his contract not expiring until after the 2028/29 season.
In our view, the speculation could be agent-driven. With the lack of progress in contract talks, his representative could be inviting potential offers from elite European clubs abroad.
With a small difference in the salary package, we believe the Bianconeri will eventually act and finalise personal terms with Yildiz to end any speculation regarding his immediate future.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com