Arsenal are actively seeking to strengthen their left wing this summer and have set their sights on Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz as a priority target.
The 20-year-old Turkish international has enjoyed a remarkable season for the Italian club, registering 21 goal contributions and establishing himself as one of the most exciting young attackers in world football.
Yildiz has drawn comparisons to two of the game’s all-time greats, with the youngster likened to legends Alessandro Del Piero and Michael Laudrup by those who have watched him closely.
According to a report from The Athletic, Arsenal have already made a formal enquiry about the possibility of signing the Juventus forward ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, the Italian club have made their position clear, informing Arsenal that Yildiz is not available for transfer at any price during the current window.
Arsenal are now reportedly exploring alternative options as they look to add quality and depth to their attacking positions before next season gets underway.
Leandro Trossard has filled the left-wing role for much of the past season, but the club’s hierarchy believes a more impactful option is needed to challenge for major honours.
Gabriel Martinelli remains available as a wide option for Mikel Arteta, but the Brazilian’s inconsistency has led the club to seek a more reliable attacking presence on that flank.
Juventus will be fiercely protective of a player they consider central to their rebuild as the Turin club works to return to the summit of Italian football after a difficult few years.
Any club that hopes to prise Yildiz away from Juventus in the future will almost certainly need to break the bank, given the level of interest already surrounding the young star.
Arsenal’s long-term interest in the player appears unlikely to disappear, and it would come as little surprise if Arteta’s side returned with a more substantial approach at a later date.
With his skillset, age profile, and scoring ability, Yildiz represents exactly the kind of transformative wide player that Arsenal believe they need to take the next step and dominate English and European football.
