Arsenal 'lead the race' for Juventus star amid UEFA settlement fallout
Arsenal are reportedly best placed to sign Kenan Yildiz if Juventus are forced into a sale next summer, with the north London side said to be 'more interested' in the Turkey international than north London rivals Tottenham.
According to wettfreunde.net, Juventus need to sell one player or raise between £60-70million through the transfer market, and Yildiz has emerged as the most likely candidate to go if the Old Lady need to balance the books. The report states that Arsenal 'will lead the race' should Juventus decide to let the 21 year old leave.
The Friday Injury Tracker
Who's out, who's back and what it means for the next two games.
Yildiz has been on Arsenal's radar for some time, with the club first said to have 'considered' a move for him back in 2023. Since joining from Bayern Munich four years ago, he has developed into arguably Juventus's most important player, contributing 27 goals and 21 assists in 132 appearances.
He has not featured since the opening weekend of the Serie A season against Frosinone, having sustained a broken foot, but Juventus expect him back fit and available from December. Kerim Alajbegovic, a 19 year old forward, has reportedly been fast tracked in Yildiz's position amid the uncertainty over his future.
Financial pressure driving potential sale
The report ties the situation to Juventus's financial troubles. In June, Corriere dello Sport reported that Juventus had been found to have broken UEFA's football earnings rule, which permits a maximum aggregate loss of £51m across the three financial years ending in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
As a result, Juventus have signed a three year settlement agreement with UEFA's Club Financial Control Body, as have Newcastle United. UEFA has handed Juventus a fine of £16.7m, of which £11.7m is conditional, meaning the Italian club would pay just £5m if they meet the terms of the agreement. The deal also requires Juventus to hit specific targets and return within financial parameters by the end of the settlement period, with restrictions placed on registering players in their UEFA squad lists.
Record breaking price tag
Arsenal and Tottenham both enquired about Yildiz's price during the summer and were reportedly prepared to offer more than £85m had Juventus opened the door to a deal. Juventus ultimately chose to keep hold of him, with the forward expected to remain at the club until at least the end of the 2026/27 season once he returns from injury.
Should Juventus sanction a sale next summer, they are said to be demanding £125m for Yildiz, a fee that would match the joint Premier League record transfer alongside Alexander Isak and Enzo Fernandez if he were to join either Arsenal or Tottenham.
Whether Juventus's financial situation ultimately forces their hand remains to be seen, but Arsenal appear to be positioning themselves as the frontrunners should Yildiz become available.
