Romano reveals Juventus decision on selling Kenan Yildiz for £86m

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has made clear that Kenan Yildiz is not for sale this summer, even as Arsenal weigh up a move for the 21-year-old winger. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Spalletti said the Turkey international will remain in Turin despite any offer from the Premier League champions.

"I experience it calmly because the player is Yildiz," Spalletti said. "From my point of view, it's simple, they can offer whatever they want, I want to be able to field Yildiz next season." He added: "It's not important because someone offers 100 million or because there is a club that has the financial power to spend at this moment. He is already at the club that offers 100 million for him. So, we are all very calm."

Yildiz, who joined Juventus in 2022 after coming through Bayern Munich's youth ranks, has a contract through the summer of 2030. He scored 10 goals and added six assists in 36 Serie A appearances last season. Spalletti described him as "perfect to have mature conversations with," saying Yildiz "knows very well that he shouldn't rush anything."

Arsenal's search for attacking reinforcements

Arsenal have been linked with a host of attacking players this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his forward line. Yildiz emerged as a target after the Gunners missed out on Vinicius Junior, who signed a new contract with Real Madrid, and Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea. Reports have also mentioned Bradley Barcola, who appears more keen on Liverpool, and Nico Williams as possible options.

Yildiz has been identified as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, whose future at the Emirates is uncertain. Martinelli has been left out of both matchday squads so far this season, not making the bench for the Community Shield or the Premier League opener. Ian Wright said on Friday on Sky Sports that he feels "uncomfortable" about the apparent treatment of Martinelli.

Arsenal began their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 win over Coventry City on Friday, with new signing Christos Tzolis impressing. The club have also been backed with reinforcements including defender Ezri Konsa and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports.

Juventus's hardball stance

According to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, Juventus have made Yildiz "untouchable" after rejecting an enquiry from Arsenal, as reported by Tutto Juve on August 10. Romano said in a YouTube video that Spalletti clarified Yildiz's situation, with the coach saying: "They can offer whatever they want, €100m or whatever, we are Juventus."

Reports suggest Juventus would want over €100m (£86m) to even consider selling their prized asset. Sports Illustrated reported that Juventus are "playing hard ball" over Yildiz, with the club determined to keep him.

Yildiz is expected to be part of the Juventus squad that faces Frosinone on Sunday as the Serie A season begins. With the transfer deadline set for September 1, time is running out for Arsenal to complete any late deals.

Alvarez and Osimhen links persist

Yildiz is not the only forward on Arsenal's radar. Reports indicate that the Gunners are also keen on Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez and Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen.

According to Romano, Arsenal have contacted Atletico to learn of the conditions required to sign Alvarez, but the Spanish club are determined to keep him, while the player dreams of joining Barcelona. Reports from Diario Sport claim Arsenal have put a swap proposal on the table involving Viktor Gyokeres, with the north London club reportedly willing to offer £68.5m plus Gyokeres to secure Alvarez. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is said to remain in contact with his former colleagues at Atletico, and talks have taken place in London. Financial details would not be a problem, with Alvarez expected to double his wages if a deal is agreed.

Gary Neville commented on Alvarez's potential impact at Arsenal, saying "that is going to light this place up." Alvarez is actively pushing for a move to Barcelona, but the Catalan giants may not have the funds given their financial constraints.

Arsenal have also set conditions to sign Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray, though any move for the striker would still require a left winger, according to reports. The Gunners are back in action on August 31 when they head to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Perspectives

  • Luciano Spalletti (Juventus manager): "They can offer whatever they want," Spalletti said, insisting Yildiz will stay. "He is already at the club that offers 100 million for him." He described Yildiz as "perfect to have mature conversations with" and said the player knows "he shouldn't rush anything."
  • Fabrizio Romano (transfer reporter): Romano confirmed that Spalletti has clarified Yildiz's situation, saying "Juventus plan with Kenan Yildiz" and that he is not anticipating any exit for the Turkish winger. He also revealed that Arsenal have contacted Atletico about Alvarez, but Atletico are determined to keep him.
  • Ian Wright (former Arsenal striker): Wright expressed discomfort about Martinelli's treatment at Arsenal, saying on Sky Sports that he feels "uncomfortable" about the situation.
  • Gary Neville (former Manchester United defender): Commenting on Alvarez's potential impact at Arsenal, Neville said "that is going to light this place up."