Arsenal enter race to sign Turkish wonderkid wanted by Liverpool
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 4 Dec 2023 09:22 GMT
- 3 min read
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Juventus and Turkey youngster Kenan Yildiz, who is also wanted by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Yildiz, 18, has made five appearances in Serie A this season, while he made his senior Turkey debut in October.
The forward scored his first international against Germany - the country of his birth - during the November break and he has been scouted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs this season.
The teenager joined Juventus from Bayern Munich last summer after progressing through the youth systems with the Bavarian outfit.
However, he could be on the move once again if Juventus receive a suitable offer. According to Turkish-Football, Yildiz is seen as an important part of the Old Lady’s future, but their financial position means that an offer may be considered if it’s the right price.
The report also states that Arsenal have been scouting the Turkish star and have made enquiries regarding his potential availability, although no formal offer has been lodged.
18-year-old Kenan Yıldız scores his first goal for Türkiye 🇹🇷💫#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/hbGOjdPTKV
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) November 18, 2023
Yildiz typically plays as a second striker, but he can operate anywhere across the forward line and is therefore seen as a suitable target given Arsenal’s well-documented desire to sign a new striker.
Brentford’s Ivan Toney has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, but Thomas Frank is hopeful he will stay with the west London club, while his asking price may prove too much mid-season.
Liverpool want Yildiz too
Arsenal aren’t the only club interested in signing Yildiz, however. According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Liverpool are also keen on landing him, with new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke extremely fond of the player.
He reportedly tracked him during his time at Bayern Munich and has informed Klopp of his qualities.
Yildiz’s current Juventus contract runs until 2027 after he signed a new deal in August, although there is no release clause included, as per reports.
