Arsenal are reportedly preparing an audacious offer to land one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. According to sources in Italy, including Radio Radio and TuttoJuve, the North London club are ready to table a package worth €50 million plus striker Gabriel Jesus in a bid to sign Juventus starlet Kenan Yildiz — a player many believe is destined for Ballon d’Or contention in the near future.
At just 20 years old, Yildiz has emerged as one of Serie A’s brightest prospects, impressing under new Juventus head coach Thiago Motta with a string of dynamic performances. Valued at around €90 million, the Turkish international has caught the attention of several top clubs, including Chelsea, but it’s Arsenal who have reportedly taken the first concrete step.
The Gunners’ new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is said to be spearheading the ambitious approach. Having earned a reputation for unearthing elite talent during his time at Atlético Madrid — where he played a key role in signing players like Rodri — Berta is now looking to inject fresh attacking spark into Mikel Arteta’s project. Yildiz is seen as a perfect fit.
So far this season, Yildiz has contributed two goals and four assists in eight appearances, including a spectacular solo effort against Inter Milan that made headlines across Europe. His ability to glide past defenders, create chances in tight spaces, and finish with composure has drawn comparisons to a young Cristiano Ronaldo. Last season, he racked up 12 goals and nine assists across all competitions, playing a vital role in Juventus’ Coppa Italia triumph.
The proposed deal would not only bring in Yildiz but also offload Gabriel Jesus, whose recent form and injury issues have made him a topic of debate among Arsenal supporters. Since joining from Manchester City in 2022 for €52 million, Jesus has struggled to find consistency, particularly this season. Despite his work rate and versatility, his goal output has dipped, and Arsenal may view this as the right time to cash in.
Including Jesus in the deal, valued between €30–35 million, helps bring Arsenal closer to Juventus’ valuation of Yildiz while also reducing the club’s wage bill — with the Brazilian currently earning around £300,000 a week. The move would also make room in the squad’s attacking department, which already features Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli, along with Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.
For Arteta, Yildiz could be the kind of technical, high-ceiling attacker capable of thriving in Arsenal’s fluid, possession-heavy system. His versatility across the front three — able to play as a winger, second striker, or attacking midfielder — aligns with the club’s emphasis on adaptable, multi-functional players.
However, Juventus are unlikely to let their prized asset go easily. With the Turin club currently rebuilding under Motta and keen to hold onto their most promising talents, Arsenal may face a difficult negotiation process. The interest from Chelsea adds further competition, raising the stakes ahead of the January transfer window.
Whether this bold move materializes remains to be seen, but Arsenal’s interest in Kenan Yildiz signals clear intent — a willingness to evolve, take risks, and invest in the next generation of footballing stars.
