Chelsea keen on in form Serie A star | OneFootball

Chelsea transfer plans hit snag as Juventus open talks over new deal

Chelsea interest in Juventus star complicated by new talks

Chelsea’s pursuit of Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz has hit a significant obstacle, with TeamTalk reporting that the Italian club are preparing a lucrative new contract for the 20-year-old. The Turkish international, who has become one of Serie A’s brightest prospects, is now the subject of renewed negotiations that could keep him in Turin for the long term.

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Yildiz has caught the eye this season with his blend of flair, composure and finishing ability. Having contributed two goals and four assists in 11 appearances across all competitions, his emergence has been a highlight for Juventus, who are now determined to secure his future.

Transfer insider Dean Jones told TeamTalk: “Chelsea keep being linked with Yildiz and it is true that they have an interest, but I find it hard to believe he will leave Juve. The expectation has always been that they would find a new agreement and talks are now started on those terms.”

That potential new deal could put Chelsea’s plans on hold, at least for now.

Juventus determined to keep Yildiz

Juventus are understood to be confident of convincing Yildiz to stay, even though his current contract already runs until 2029. For Chelsea, that means another window of uncertainty. The player has reportedly been informed of interest from Stamford Bridge but is yet to push for an exit.

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“The player has been aware of interest but has not pushed for that to progress so we will have to now see how this contract renewal works out with Juventus,” Jones added.

Chelsea’s interest stems from a desire to inject creativity and versatility into Enzo Maresca’s front line. Yildiz, who can operate on either flank or as a central forward, fits the mould of a technically gifted, high-energy attacker, the type the club have targeted heavily since their recruitment overhaul began.

Real Madrid join race for Juventus prodigy

The London club are not alone in their admiration. Reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation closely. Chief scout Juan Calafat is said to be following Yildiz’s progress, while new manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly identified him as a priority target.

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Italian agent Giovanni Branchini recently told TMW: “Juventus are currently asking for €100million (£87m, $116m), but anyone will do that for anyone, as long as you find someone who will give it to you. Yildiz was a clear request from the owners, they really like him.”

With two European giants interested, Juventus are in no rush to sell. A contract renewal would not only secure Yildiz’s commitment but also strengthen their negotiating position should a bidding war arise next summer.

Chelsea’s transfer challenge

For Chelsea, this scenario feels familiar. The club have shown ambition in the market under their current ownership but have repeatedly encountered resistance when targeting emerging European stars. While Yildiz would represent another bold move in the club’s long-term rebuild, the financial demands and Juventus’ reluctance to sell make the deal unlikely in January.

If Yildiz does sign a new contract, Chelsea may be forced to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements. Yet the interest itself signals their continued determination to recruit from the top tier of European talent.

A successful pursuit may depend not on budget but on timing. Should Juventus falter in their negotiations, Chelsea could be well-placed to strike. For now, the player’s focus remains in Turin but the Premier League’s shadow looms large over Serie A’s latest rising star.

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Chelsea’s ambition to sign the most exciting young players in Europe has been clear for some time, yet Juventus’ stance shows how difficult those deals can be to complete.

Yildiz looks like a perfect fit for Maresca’s style, direct, technically sharp, and capable of operating across the forward line. Supporters would welcome a signing of that calibre, particularly with the team still lacking consistent creativity in the final third. His ability to drift between lines and create chances would add another dimension to an attack that often looks short of cohesion.

However, the reality is that Juventus hold all the cards. With a long contract and strong backing from the club’s hierarchy, they are under no pressure to sell. A €100m valuation feels excessive for a player still developing, and Chelsea may need to be patient.

Fans might also see a wider issue at play: the need for Chelsea to balance short-term goals with long-term planning. While Yildiz would excite the fanbase, investing in stability and tactical identity under Maresca remains the priority.

For now, Chelsea supporters can only hope the club’s persistence pays off, if not with Yildiz, then with another young star who can shape the club’s next era.