Report: Chelsea considering move to sign Serie A star as Antoine Semenyo alternative | OneFootball

Chelsea Refine Forward Planning as Kenan Yildiz Emerges as Key Target

Chelsea’s evolving transfer strategy has taken another notable turn, with attention shifting firmly towards Juventus starlet Kenan Yildiz after the club stepped away from the Antoine Semenyo race. As first reported by Caught Offside, this was not a reactive withdrawal but a calculated decision rooted in long term squad planning and internal confidence.

Semenyo’s trajectory towards Manchester City brought clarity. Once “Semenyo’s preference for City was established and negotiations accelerated in that direction, Chelsea opted not to pursue a deal that no longer aligned with their internal priorities”, according to sources close to the agents industry. Rather than scramble for alternatives, Chelsea appear comfortable with patience, a theme that increasingly defines their recruitment under Enzo Maresca.

Strategic shift away from Semenyo pursuit

Chelsea’s hierarchy do not view missing out on Semenyo as a failure. As outlined in the original report, “Rather than viewing the decision as a setback, Chelsea’s hierarchy are projecting confidence in their current attacking depth and long-term planning”. This confidence stems from both existing senior options and a belief in youth development over short term fixes.

Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer continue to deliver output, particularly from the right side, while the return of Estevão Willian from injury has eased previous concerns. The club also remain committed to developing Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, with a “strong internal push to double down on the progression” of both players.

Yildiz profile fits Maresca blueprint

Within that broader context, Kenan Yildiz stands out. Caught Offside report that “Chelsea are also keeping a close eye on Kenan Yıldız of Juventus, with club sources suggesting they are ready to act quickly should a market opportunity present itself”. That readiness is telling.

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Yildiz offers versatility, technical security, and tactical intelligence, traits that align closely with Maresca’s positional play ideals. At Juventus, he has shown comfort operating between lines, drifting wide or attacking central spaces, and doing so without compromising structure. Chelsea are not seeking volume additions, but “a genuinely elite, right-footed forward who can complete the frontline”.

Yildiz’s age profile also fits Chelsea’s longer arc. Rather than overpaying in January, the club are willing to wait for the right moment, especially if Juventus’s financial landscape creates opportunity.

Market patience backed by confidence

Elsewhere, Chelsea’s interest in Jeremy Monga and long standing admiration for Yan Diomande underline a consistent theme. Talent is tracked early, valuations are respected, and urgency is resisted. Diomande’s price, “believed to exceed €100 million”, has only reinforced Chelsea’s refusal to overspend.

There may be no public “Plan B”, but internally the plan is clear. Chelsea are positioning themselves to strike decisively when the right profile becomes attainable. Yildiz, more than any other name mentioned, feels like the clearest expression of that thinking.

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From a Chelsea fan’s perspective, this report is genuinely exciting. There is something refreshing about the club not panicking, not chasing names for the sake of noise, and instead lining up a player like Kenan Yildiz who actually makes sense.

Under Enzo Maresca, now into his second season, Chelsea finally look like they have an identity again. Yildiz fits that identity perfectly. He is technical, intelligent, and comfortable in tight spaces, exactly what you want in a Maresca system that demands control and creativity between the lines.

What really stands out is the idea that Chelsea are “ready to act quickly should a market opportunity present itself”. That suggests real intent, not just admiration. Fans have seen enough scattergun windows to appreciate a calmer, smarter approach. If waiting a few months means landing someone who can grow with Palmer, Garnacho, and Gittens, that feels like progress.

There is also confidence in the squad that supporters can buy into. Neto looks settled, Palmer is already a star, and Estevão’s return adds another layer. Adding Yildiz to that mix feels like a statement signing rather than a gamble.

If this is the new Chelsea, patient, selective, and focused on elite potential rather than headlines, then many fans will be fully on board. Yildiz feels like the kind of player who could define the next phase of this project.