Arsenal are ‘not giving up’ in pursuit of Kenan Yildiz and will have scouts in the stands to watch the forward in action for Juventus’ upcoming clash with AC Milan, according to reports in Italy.
Yildiz is widely considered one of the most exciting attacking talents in Serie A on the back of a breakout season for Juventus last term, in which he racked up nine goals and eight assists in all competitions.
The 20-year-old has picked up where he left off with an eye-catching start to the 2025/26 campaign, netting twice and registering four assists in his opening seven appearances for The Old Lady, who remain undefeated.
But while Yildiz’s performances have lit up Italian football in recent months, the Turkey international’s future has been the subject of intense speculation, with top clubs around Europe keeping close tabs on his progress in Turin.
Arsenal have been credited with a strong interest for some time and Tuttosport state that the Gunners will have scouts ‘hidden in the stands of the Allianz Stadium’ for Juve’s heavyweight contest with AC Milan on Sunday evening.
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It’s claimed Arsenal are not ready to give up hope of capturing Yildiz, despite Juventus’ hierarchy making it clear they have no intention of losing a player they view as a central figure in Igor Tudor’s squad.
At this stage, Yildiz is also said to be intent on staying put having been appointed vice-captain this season – a reward for youngster’s ‘commendable work ethic’.
A contract extension for Yildiz is believed to be in the works, with ‘just a couple of details left to iron out’ relating to bonuses and the attacking midfielder’s image right between EA Sports and adidas.
Yildiz’s current deal expires in 2029 and Juventus are pushing for the Turk to sign on until 2030, with the option of a further 12 months.
The report claims official confirmation regarding Yildiz’s proposed renewal could be a matter of weeks away, potentially even days, with Juve determined to get the situation resolved as soon as possible.
A separate report from Tuttosport in the summer intimated that it would require an offer in excess of €100million (£84m) for Juventus to even consider the possibility of cashing in on their prized possession.
Arsenal bolstered their attacking options with the addition of Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke in the summer transfer window, with Leandro Trossard putting pen to paper on an adjusted contract.
But the north London giants regard Yildiz as potential superstar of the future and will continue to monitor the player’s development over the coming weeks and months.
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Speaking after Juve’s recent win over Parma, Tudor applauded Yildiz for his attitude both on and off the pitch and backed the Bayern Munich youth product to become a ‘truly top player’.
The Juve head coach told DAZN: ‘I was talking to the squad recently and I noticed that I never say anything to Yildiz in front of others because he always does what he’s supposed to do.
‘We rarely say anything to him, whether it’s about his playing style or his behaviour.
‘The difference is that inner motivation you have to get there and do what you do, which has to be there every day.
‘Yildiz is proving he does that, and I hope he continues every day. He has all the attributes to become a truly top player.’
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