Arsenal face £86m battle with Real Madrid for Kenan Yildiz

Kenan Yıldız

Arsenal are ready to fight Real Madrid and Bayern Munich for the signature of Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz. The Italian side have placed a hefty price tag on their young playmaker.

Reports in Italy suggest the Turin club want at least £86 million (€100 million) for the 21-year-old. However, their firm stance on keeping him could change depending on their European status.

A potential financial squeeze in Turin

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Italian giants view the Turkey international as a cornerstone of their future. He recently signed a lucrative new contract to reflect his growing status, having been declared unavailable for transfer during the previous summer window.

Yet, their financial plans heavily rely on playing in Europe’s top competition. The decisive factor in whether they keep their prized asset will be their ability to return to the Champions League, as failing to secure a top-four finish in Serie A could force a massive rethink of their transfer plans.

Without Champions League television revenue, Juventus may need to sanction a major departure. Yildiz is one of the few assets in their squad capable of commanding such a massive transfer fee.

To help stabilise their finances, controlling shareholder Exor has backed a proposed capital injection of up to €250 million. Even so, the lure of elite European football remains critical to their business model.

Arsenal seek attacking depth on the flank

Mikel Arteta’s side are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. The Gunners view the Turkish attacker as an ideal candidate to solve their lack of natural depth on the left wing.

The North London club previously explored a move for him during the summer transfer window. Instead, they ended up spending €40 million to secure Christos Tzolis.

Despite that acquisition, the Premier League champions possess the financial muscle to launch another big-money pursuit if the right profile becomes available.

Mourinho’s crowded attacking ranks in Spain

Real Madrid are also firmly in the hunt. The Spanish giants have tracked the forward for several years, dating back to enquiries made when Xabi Alonso was at the helm in 2025.

Under current manager Jose Mourinho, the Spanish club are considering reigniting their pursuit ahead of the summer of 2027. They like the idea of pitting Yildiz against Vinicius Junior to drive competition.

However, Mourinho already boasts an incredibly crowded frontline. With Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Yan Diomande, Rodrygo, Endrick, Carlos Espi, Brahim Diaz, and Arda Guler, any new arrival would face an intense battle for minutes.

An internal alternative emerges

Bayern Munich are also keeping a close watch on their former academy player. The German side have monitored his progress from afar since he left Bavaria, though their need for a winger is less pressing.

Meanwhile, Juventus may already have a backup plan in place. The Italian club spent €30 million plus add-ons to sign teenage forward Kerim Alajbegovic during the summer.

The young Bosnian has enjoyed more opportunities recently while Yildiz recovers from an injury. The Turkish star is currently sidelined and is not expected to return to action until December.

While Alajbegovic was not bought specifically to replace Yildiz, his rapid progression could give the club a viable internal alternative. This development might make a future sale much easier for the Juventus board to digest if financial circumstances force their hand.