Deal Close to Completion for 21 G/A Star Wanted by Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool
Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been credited with interest in Juventus attacking midfielder Kenan Yildiz in recent weeks. However, those Premier League sides now look set to miss out, with the highly rated Turkey international expected to commit his future to Juventus by signing a new contract.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are close to finalising an agreement that includes a significant salary increase for Yildiz, with his wages set to rise from €1.5m to around €6m per year. The report claims a breakthrough has been reached in negotiations, despite strong interest from clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
It now appears Juventus have successfully fended off potential suitors, a major boost for the Serie A giants as they secure one of their brightest young stars. Yildiz has been outstanding for the Turin club, registering 13 goals and eight assists across all competitions for club and country this season, according to WhoScored.
While Arsenal and Chelsea have both explored the possibility of signing the 20-year-old, Juventus clearly view him as a key part of their long-term plans, making it no surprise that they have moved quickly to improve his contract terms.
Despite Italian football no longer carrying the same dominance it once did, Juventus remain a global powerhouse, and tying down Yildiz could prove to be a statement move. The youngster could have been an ideal addition for Liverpool, who are in need of a long-term successor to the ageing and underperforming Mohamed Salah.
Arsenal may also have benefited from signing Yildiz as an alternative or rotational option to Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze, both of whom have struggled for consistency this season. Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to target elite young talent, and Yildiz fits their usual recruitment profile.
However, sources suggest the Blues have now shifted their focus toward highly rated English prospects Morgan Rogers and Ethan Nwaneri for that role.