Arsenal could prise away Kenan Yildiz from Juventus in January
Arsenal have been fancied to prise away Juventus wonderkid Kenan Yildiz during the January transfer window, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 6).
The Bianconeri signed the teenager on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2022 and he spent the previous campaign with their Next Gen squad in Serie C.
This season, the 18-year-old has made five appearances for the senior squad and each of those have been off the bench. He has managed only 36 minutes.
It is now reported that the Gunners ‘have the arguments’ to land the wonderkid in January and could take advantage of the Bianconeri’s ongoing financial issues.
The Serie A holders are keen on landing Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners this winter as they look to cover up the absence of banned duo Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli.
Atalanta turned down a €48 million bid for Koopmeiners from Napoli over the summer and the Bianconeri may need to offer more than that to convince them.
Amidst this, it is claimed that Juventus could give up on Yildiz to one of his suitors which include Arsenal. They are prepared to hold out for a fee of at least €30m.
Arsenal may not make huge outlay on Yildiz
The teenager made a big name in Bayern’s academy but the German champions were unable to convince him to sign a senior contract with them in the summer of 2022.
Juventus, who have a knack of securing free transfers, took advantage of the situation, but they could lose his services during the upcoming January transfer window.
Yildiz has yet to make a mark with the first-team squad but he has already made a big impression with Turkey, contributing one goal and one assist from just three caps.
The youngster has the ability to play anywhere in attack. He has the potential to operate on either wing or in the attacking midfield role. He can also operate as a second striker.
Despite his versatile qualities, the Gunners may not spend big on him in January in our opinion.
The club’s main concern at the moment is in the midfield department. With Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny set to leave for AFCON in January, they may invest on a defensive midfielder.
The hierarchy may also explore a new centre-forward. This may depend on the form of the current strikers including Gabriel Jesus, who has been injury-prone during the ongoing campaign.
Arsenal are currently in a tight position with Financial Fair Play and there is still a big question mark whether manager Mikel Arteta would have any funds to spend in January.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
