Chelsea will compete with Arsenal next summer over the transfer of Juventus striker Kenan Yildiz La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 20-year-old, who joined Juventus from Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2022, currently earns a relatively modest wage compared to some of his teammates despite emerging as one of the team’s standout players this season with seven goals in 14 appearances in all competitions for the 36-time Italian champions.
Several clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal, have reportedly been tracking the winger over the past season for a potential move. Juventus, on the other hand, was keen to tie him to a new contract with the club.
According to the report, Chelsea were among the first clubs to set their sights on the Turkey international and even saw their £59million bid rejected by Juventus last summer. Arsenal have also been heavily linked in recent months.
It looks like the duo could get a boost in their pursuit of Yildiz, as La Gazzetta dello Sport claims his contract extension is now ‘in jeopardy’ after Bianconeri CEO Damien Comolli and the players’ entourage halted talks after failing to reach a compromise after months of negotiations.
Yildiz interest
After Juventus failed to agree a new contract with the youngster at this stage, the Italian outlet reports that Chelsea will return to sign the Turkish winger next summer.
However, they face stiff competition from Arsenal as the Gunners are also interested in Yildiz, while Spanish giants Real Madrid have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
While the Bianconeri have not ruled out the possibility of extending his contract, continued interest in Yildiz and a possible bidding war next summer could see the club set a high valuation of more than £88 million, the report said.
Chelsea’s youth-driven project, despite its excesses, was commendable, with the best young prospects given the opportunity and time to develop.
While concerns can be raised about the accumulation of options in the attacking midfield and left wing positions, including the likes of Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Yildiz brings something different and unique to the squad.
While Yildiz’s reported salary demands of £5m per year fit within the Blues’ pay structure, Juventus’ high valuation of the winger could give Arsenal an advantage as Chelsea appear to have moved away from overpaying for players, having previously reneged on deals to sign Xavi Simons and Victor Osimhen.
#Chelsea #battling #Arsenal #sign #Kenan #Yildiz #Juventus