Arsenal’s search for a new attacking addition continues to gather pace, with Kenan Yildiz emerging as an interesting option.
A new playmaker who can also play on the left and right hand sides looks to be a priority for Mikel Arteta, with Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers also believed to be one of the standout Premier League options alongside Yildiz.
Rogers has been one of the best attacking players in England over the past season, producing consistent performances for Villa under Unai Emery.
Operating mainly as an advanced midfielder or wide forward, he has shown strong physicality, excellent ball-carrying ability and a growing end product with 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season.
His ability to drive through midfield and break lines with powerful runs has made him a key part of Villa’s attack, especially in games where they look to transition quickly.
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Rogers’ undoubted quality and versatility are undoubtedly big reasons Arsenal are tracking him, with Arteta valuing players who can rotate positions within his fluid attacking system.
However, it is reported that Rogers could now cost as much as £130 million, meaning a deal could be extremely tricky as Villa attempt to price suitors out of a deal.
That being said, Yildiz could be a viable alternative.
Arsenal open ‘formal’ discussions with Juventus over Kenan Yildiz
A report from Turkish-Football now says the Gunners have made a “formal enquiry” to Juventus over Yildiz as they try to advance what is being described as a “blockbuster” move for the Turkish international.
Yildiz has quickly become one of Juventus’ most prized young players and is viewed internally as central to their future plans.
Juventus, however, have made their stance very clear.
They have no desire to sell the 19-year-old and would only consider a deal if a bid reached at least £86 million, a figure designed to discourage potential suitors and reflect his elite potential.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Turkish-Football.com is generally seen as a low-to-mid tier transfer source, often publishing rumours rather than verified exclusives. While it has been running for years and covers niche Turkish football news in English, much of its content is speculation-driven and not consistently corroborated by Tier 1 journalists or major outlets. |
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Finances |
A £86m move for Yildiz would be extremely difficult but not impossible for Arsenal. The fee reflects Juventus’ reluctance to sell rather than a true valuation. Arsenal could fund it through PSR/SCR-friendly amortisation and sales, but total costs, including wages and bonuses, would make it a major, long-term financial commitment. |
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Insight |
Yildiz progressed through Bayern Munich’s academy before joining Juventus on a free transfer in 2022. He quickly impressed with his close control and attacking flair, earning first-team chances in Serie A. Now a full Turkey international, he has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking midfield talents. |
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Impact |
Yildiz could give Arsenal flair, unpredictability and elite dribbling between the lines, operating as a left-sided forward or creative attacker. His ability to beat defenders in tight spaces would add something different to Arteta’s attack, offering more spontaneity, goal threat and creativity. |
Luciano Spalletti’s side are also in full control here, having tied Yildiz down to a four-year deal earlier this year.
Should Arsenal sign Rogers or Yildiz?
Yildiz is regarded as one of Europe’s most technically gifted young forwards, not to mention a ‘rare talent’, as previously described by ex-Tottenham boss Igor Tudor.
Comfortable playing as a winger or in a more central attacking role, he is known for his close control, creativity in tight spaces and ability to glide past defenders.
His style is more finesse-based compared to Rogers’ power and directness, offering Arsenal a very different attacking profile.
The enquiry itself does not guarantee a formal bid, but it does underline Arsenal’s ambition to explore elite-level talent as they continue building depth in attacking areas.
Rogers feels like the safer, more Premier League-ready option — strong, dynamic and already performing at a high level in England.
However, Yildiz could be seen by some as the more exciting long-term prospect.
He has the potential to become a top European forward if developed correctly, and could still be a cheaper deal for Andrea Berta than Rogers despite Juve’s reluctance to part company.
The Turkish sensation racked up 11 and 10 assists in all competitions for the Old Lady last term, and was a shining light in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Juve as they fell just short of Champions League football.
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