Kenan Yildiz (foto: Getty Images)
Arsenal missed out on Vinicius Junior, but Mikel Arteta still wants an elite winger, with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz emerging as a potential target.
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Arsenal failed in their ambitious pursuit of Vinicius Junior, but that does not mean Mikel Arteta has abandoned plans to add another major attacking star to his squad.
The Brazilian ultimately decided to extend his contract with Real Madrid, ending Arsenal's hopes of bringing him to the Emirates Stadium. The London club, however, had been prepared to invest an enormous amount in the deal.
Now another name has emerged: Kenan Yildiz.
The 21-year-old Turkish international has developed into one of Juventus' most important attacking players and is regarded as one of Europe's outstanding young talents.
Arteta has admired Yildiz for some time
According to reports in England, Arsenal's interest in Yildiz is not simply a reaction to losing the race for Vinicius.
Arteta has reportedly admired the Juventus attacker for some time, with his name appearing on Arsenal's radar even before the club became seriously involved in the pursuit of the Real Madrid superstar.
Yildiz offers many of the characteristics Arsenal are searching for. He is technically gifted, comfortable operating from wide areas and still young enough to develop significantly under Arteta.
There is one major obstacle: Juventus do not want to sell him.
Could €150 million change Juventus' mind?
Yildiz strengthened his position in Turin earlier this year by signing a new contract until June 2030.
That puts Juventus in a powerful negotiating position. The Italian giants have no contractual pressure to sell one of the most valuable players in their squad.
Arsenal, though, have considerable financial resources available after failing to complete the Vinicius deal.
The Gunners were prepared to enter negotiations around a transfer worth approximately €150 million for the Brazilian. If a significant portion of that budget remains available, Arsenal have the financial strength to test Juventus' determination.
The question is whether even an extraordinary offer would persuade the Turin club to discuss Yildiz.
Yildiz has become a symbol of Juventus' future
The Turkish international joined Juventus in 2022 after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of his contract.
Since then, his development has been rapid.
At only 21, Yildiz already holds an important position at one of Europe's biggest clubs and has plenty of time to develop before reaching what should be the peak years of his career.
His experience in both German and Italian football also makes the possibility of eventually testing himself in the Premier League or La Liga an intriguing one.
For now, though, Juventus offers him something equally valuable: regular football and a central role in a major European project.
Arsenal still searching for their marquee winger
One thing appears clear. Arsenal's failure to sign Vinicius has not ended their search for a high-profile winger.
Several names continue to be linked with the defending Premier League champions, and Yildiz is among the most interesting.
Arteta wanted a superstar from Real Madrid. He did not get him.
Now Arsenal have money available and another potential superstar on their radar. The question is whether €150 million would be enough to make Juventus listen.