It was supposed to be Vinicius Junior coming to Arsenal. In fact, the dressing room reportedly considered the deal “done.” Then the Brazilian put pen to paper on a six-year extension at Real Madrid, and just like that, the dream was over.
So where do the Premier League champions turn now?
well, according to multiple reports, the answer is Turin. And the name on Mikel Arteta’s lips is Kenan Yildiz.
The 21-year-old Juventus forward has emerged as Arsenal’s primary attacking target this summer, with CaughtOffside reporting that the Gunners are ready to pay more than €100m (approximately £85m) to land the Turkey international. It’s a hefty price tag, but for a player who’s been tipped to one day win the Ballon d’Or, it might just be worth it.
Why Arsenal Need Yildiz
Arsenal’s left wing has been a problem area for a while now. Leandro Trossard left for Besiktas earlier this summer, and Gabriel Martinelli is expected to follow him out the door if a suitable offer arrives.
Christos Tzolis has arrived from Club Brugge, sure. But he’s not quite the marquee signing that Arteta craves.
The failed pursuit of Vinicius Junior underlines exactly what Arsenal are after — a world-class wide attacker who can terrorize defences and deliver goals and assists consistently. Yildiz fits that description.
During the 2025/26 campaign, he scored 11 goals and registered 10 assists across 47 appearances for Juventus in all competitions. In Serie A alone, he notched 10 goals and six assists in 36 matches, finishing as Juve’s top scorer.
He’s versatile too. He spent 21 matches operating as a left winger and 14 as a second striker. That tactical flexibility is exactly what Arteta values.
Sky journalist Sacha Tavolieri described Yildiz as Arteta’s “dream target” back in June, posting on X that Arsenal wanted to sign a key player at the left winger position and had “a plan for the Turkish.”
The Obstacles in Arsenal’s Path
This deal won’t be straightforward. Juventus have absolutely no desire to sell.
Yildiz only signed a contract extension in February 2026, tying him to the Old Lady until 2030. That gives Juve enormous leverage. Reports from CaughtOffside suggest the Serie A club want “well above €100m,” while other outlets have quoted a figure as high as £120m.
There’s also competition to worry about. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool have all been linked with Yildiz at various points. The Turkish media reported that Arsenal made a formal enquiry for Yildiz following Turkey’s exit from the 2026 World Cup, but Juventus reportedly told all suitors the player was not for sale.
However, there’s been a twist. According to journalist Indy Kaila, Yildiz is now eager to make the move to Arsenal and is set to inform Juventus of his desire to leave. If true, that changes the dynamic entirely.
A player pushing to leave is very different from a club trying to drag someone out of a long-term contract.
Can Arsenal Pull It Off?
Arsenal’s spending power is undeniable right now. They’ve already completed the £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle this week, adding him to a squad that won last season’s Premier League title. Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier have also arrived.
But can they stretch to another massive outlay for Yildiz? Sporting director Andrea Berta is known for lining up multiple options per position.
Still, the signals are clear. Arsenal want a left winger who can compete at the very highest level, and Yildiz ticks almost every box. He’s young enough that his peak is years away. He’s proven in a top league. And he apparently wants to come.
Whether Juventus blink remains the big question. But with the transfer window still open and Arsenal flush with ambition, don’t be surprised if this one goes right down to the wire.
