Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has firmly dismissed speculation linking Kenan Yildiz with a summer transfer to Arsenal, insisting the Turkish forward remains central to the club’s plans regardless of any potential €100 million offer.
Reports have suggested the Premier League side are prepared to table a substantial bid for the 21-year-old attacker. However, speaking ahead of Juventus’s Serie A opener, Spalletti made clear that financial inducements would not tempt the Turin club into a sale.
Spalletti’s stance
“I am perfectly relaxed, because dealing with Yildiz is easy for me,” Spalletti said. “They can offer whatever they like, I want Yildiz here and will always put him on the field.”
The Juventus coach emphasised that Yildiz’s development at the club holds more significance than external interest. “His future is already important staying at Juventus, not because there are other clubs who want to spend €100m for him,” he added. “We are all convinced that we can show the total potential of Kenan, and he is a potential phenomenon of football.”
Long-term commitment
Yildiz’s attachment to the Bianconeri extends beyond contractual obligations. The youngster signed a new deal in February 2026 that runs until June 2030, securing his long-term future at the Allianz Stadium and making any immediate departure unlikely.
The Germany-born Turkish international arrived at Juventus as a free agent from Bayern Munich’s youth academy in 2022. He has since progressed rapidly through the ranks to establish himself as a regular member of the senior squad.
Off the pitch, Yildiz has demonstrated his emotional connection to the club’s heritage. He grew up idolising Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero and continues to emulate the former captain’s trademark goal celebration when finding the net in the black and white shirt.
With four years remaining on his contract and the unequivocal backing of his manager, Yildiz appears set to continue his development in Turin. The definitive nature of Spalletti’s comments suggests Arsenal may need to look elsewhere to reinforce their attacking options before the transfer window closes.