Last week, La Repubblica reported Arsenal have been in contact with Jorge Mendes to express interest in Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz.
While the Portuguese representative isn’t the youngster’s official agent, he’s been tasked with looking at potential suitors for him.
Today’s Corriere dello Sport takes a closer look at the Turkish talent, whose contract renewal in Turin remains complex.
So far, Juve have offered a little less than €5m during contract negotiations. The player wants to earn between €6m and €7m as that reflects his importance to the side. All those figures are likely to be after tax.
The issue is beyond financial, though. Yildiz wants to be the club’s central figure for the next few years, and it’s all about matching the talent’s ambitions.
Arsenal said to be ‘captivated’ by Kenan Yildiz
The latest Italian report about Arsenal and Kenan Yildiz
The latest Italian report about Arsenal and Kenan Yildiz
This uncertainty and the 20-year-old’s performances have left Arsenal ‘captivated’. The Gunners are aware of the issues regarding a renewal, with Juve aiming to extend his stay beyond 2029.
In the meantime, Arsenal have established contact with his entourage. They are trying to find out about their demands, likely on a financial basis.
Whether Arsenal are being used to try and pressure Juventus isn’t clear. That would be an often used tactic during renewal talks.
That said, it’s the Gunners being named more than any other club, and now in almost every report on the player’s future.