Report: Arsenal set to battle Real Madrid in the race to sign Serie A star | OneFootball

Yildiz’s Future Takes Centre Stage as Europe’s Giants Circle

Contract Pressure Meets Form Concerns

Kenan Yildiz was hailed as one of Turin’s brightest forward prospects after a thrilling 2024-25 breakthrough. Twelve goals across all competitions had Juventus convinced they were nurturing a future centrepiece of their attack. His opening weeks of the new campaign supported that optimism, with three assists and a goal in his first three Serie A outings. Yet the year has since taken a more complicated turn. A sudden dip in form has left the 20 year old with five goals and five assists in 18 matches as Juventus sit seventh in Serie A, a position that reflects a broader unease around the squad.

This downturn arrives at a delicate moment. Contract discussions have stalled, a frustration for a player whose existing deal, signed in August 2024, runs until 2029. He earns around €1.5 million a year, a figure that appears increasingly modest when set beside Dusan Vlahovic’s €12 million and the wages earned by Europe’s elite young forwards. GOAL report that talks have ground to a halt and that Juventus are wary of meeting the demands coming from Yildiz’s camp.

According to Calciomercato, his representatives want a raise into the €5 to €6 million bracket, a salary they believe matches his profile and market value. Juventus view the request as excessive. Giorgio Chiellini captured the mood succinctly when he said: “Yildiz renewal? Calm down. Calm down. Everyone has the will, with balance and calm, everything can be done.” It was a plea for perspective but also a reminder that the club are reluctant to be pushed into a corner.

Arsenal Lead the Chase

Where Juventus hesitate, others advance. Arsenal are the most assertive suitors and have already made enquiries, as confirmed by Italian journalist Gianni Balzarini. He noted: “There’s been real contact with Arsenal, that is, Arsenal have asked for information, it’s part of the game, there’s no negotiation, let’s be clear, but they have asked for information about this player who, in my opinion, could also do very well in the Premier League.”

Balzarini’s assessment carries weight. Yildiz’s blend of physicality, creativity and flair fits the modern Premier League mould. Arsenal’s attack has evolved into a dynamic ensemble and interest from North London signals how highly Mikel Arteta’s staff rate the Turkish forward. There is also growing belief that Yildiz, feeling the pressures of expectation in Turin, might welcome a move that elevates his role and visibility. Balzarini added that “a sort of halo is forming around the boy,” creating the impression of a talent ready for a bigger stage.

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Chelsea and Real Madrid Intensify Competition

Arsenal are far from alone in their pursuit. Chelsea have already tested Juventus with a €67 million bid last July, which was rejected, but the Blues intend to return next summer. Their long term recruitment ethos remains focused on securing young, high ceiling players and Yildiz fits that blueprint perfectly.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, represent the most glamorous possibility. Spanish reports claim a bidding war could push the price past €100 million. Xabi Alonso added fuel to the rumours when he said: “[Juventus] have very good players, and Yildiz is one of them. He’s had a fantastic development. I know him. He was at Bayern Munich when I was there. Seeing his progress makes me very happy.” When coaches of Alonso’s stature speak with such admiration, the market tends to listen.

Premier League Advice from a Familiar Voice

Nicolo Savona, now with Nottingham Forest, offered perhaps the most straightforward guidance. “I would recommend the Premier League to all the kids who love football, it would be difficult to say otherwise. So also to Kenan and any of his teammates,” he told Gazzetta. His words echoed a growing sentiment that the English top flight might provide the stage Yildiz needs to accelerate his development.

Juventus return to Serie A action on Sunday away to champions Napoli. For Yildiz, the match is another opportunity to reassert his value on the pitch while uncertainty swirls off it.

Our View, EPL Index Analysis

The reaction from supporters across Europe would be lively and divided. Juventus fans would be concerned that a prized youngster could be edging towards the exit at a time when the club desperately need emerging stars to stabilise their season. Many would argue that the club should meet his demands, pointing out that €5 to €6 million is modest in a market where elite youth potential is increasingly expensive.

Arsenal supporters would be excited. Yildiz represents the kind of flexible attacker their system thrives with and the idea of prising a jewel from Juventus only heightens that anticipation. Chelsea fans would be expectant too, especially after last summer’s rejected bid. Some would question the wisdom of entering another nine figure chase, others would embrace the ambition.

Real Madrid followers, accustomed to their club targeting the best developing talent, would view Yildiz as a natural fit for their next generation rebuild. Yet some would be sceptical about paying beyond €100 million for a player still proving himself at senior level.

Overall, the fan sentiment would mix excitement, expectation and concern. Wherever Yildiz ends up, the conversation around his next step has already ignited imaginations across the football landscape.