After an outstanding summer transfer window, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is already looking to raid Juventus for 20 year old wonder kid Kenan Yildiz, using Gabriel Jesus as a make-weight in the deal.
This would make sense from Jesus' perspective, ahead of World Cup 2026 in North America, giving that he will be 29 by then, so realistically this could be his last World Cup.
Kenan Yildiz is emerging as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking talents. At just 20, the Juventus forward is already gathering serious attention — not just for what he is now, but for what he clearly has the potential to become. His performances suggest that he could offer Arsenal something special: creativity, versatility, ambition, and a new dimension in the final third.
What Makes Yildiz Special
Versatility in Attack
Yildiz is not a one-dimensional forward. He often plays as a “second striker” for Juventus this season, but he can also function out wide, especially on the left, or drift into the “number 10” role. This positional flexibility means he could slot into several roles in an attack depending on tactics, opposition, or injuries.
Technical Skill, Creativity & Vision
These days, with individual flair becoming replaced by 'team tactics', Yildiz is someone why is fearless taking a man on, with the ability to produce something out of nothing, having shown some audacious, high-quality moments.
In Italy, his movement and attacking instincts have been likened to Alessandro Del Piero, particularly in terms of shooting with both feet, creativity, and the elegance with which he handles the ball.
🇹🇷📹 The referee’s view of Kenan Yıldız’s goal against Inter Milan.
— Goals Side (@goalsside) September 14, 2025
pic.twitter.com/4ufgARzqGB
Impact & Productivity
This season Yildiz has shown effective contributions: two goals and four assists in eight matches so far, compared to last season, where he played 52 matches in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and adding nine assists. For someone so young, that indicates a maturity in game intelligence — knowing when to make runs, when to drop deep, and how to contribute beyond just goal scoring.
Maturity & Mental Attributes
His attitude and character have been singled out as impressive. Despite his youth, he “plays like a 30-year-old” in many respects, with not just flair but consistency and his willingness to make the play for the team, not only for individual glory. Juventus evidently sees him as an important figure for their future, both on the pitch and contractually.
Recognition & Potential
There is widespread belief that Yildiz is one of the top young midfield/attack talents in Europe. He’s attracting interest from multiple top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool. Juventus are working to secure a new contract with him to guard against offers, which shows how highly he is valued. Some pundits believe he has the trajectory to contend for major individual honours in the future — “a Ballon d’Or winner,” or at least someone who can operate at an elite level.
How He Could Fit at Arsenal
Arsenal under Mikel Arteta often field teams with fluid offensive structures: movement, interchange among forwards and midfielders, and emphasis on technical play. Here’s where Yildiz could plug in well:
Number 10 Role
Arsenal currently have creative players (like Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze) who occupy number 10 / playmaker positions. Yildiz could provide competition here. He offers more direct attacking threat — arriving late, scoring, combining — which could relieve some of the creative burden and add unpredictability. If Arsenal seek to diversify how they break teams down, he could be key here.
Second Striker / Supporting Forward
Yildiz’s experience as a second striker suggests he could play off a central striker like Viktor Gyokeres or Havertz, linking play, combining, pressing, and arriving into goal-scoring positions. This role might suit him well given his dribbling, assist potential, and movement.
Left-Wing Option
His ability to play out wide (especially left) offers Arsenal tactical flexibility. Against teams that defend narrowly or where they expect attacks through central channels, deploying Yildiz on the left could stretch space, cut inside, and offer different angles of attack.
Evolving Talent, Long-Term Investment
Given his age and current form, Yildiz could be thought of not only as an immediate option but as a piece in Arsenal’s future. Young enough to develop further, adapt to the Premier League, and grow into a leadership role eventually. Arsenal have shown willingness to invest in young players with high ceilings.
Kenan Yildiz made 16 goal contributions in his first full season with Juventus — at just 20 years old. What a talent. ⚪️⚫️
— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) May 26, 2025
9 goals
7 assists
STARBOY ✨ pic.twitter.com/3t0rTYLL7Q
Challenges & Considerations
To be fully ready for Arsenal’s demands, Yildiz would need to:
- Adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League.
- Maintain consistency, especially in big matches or under pressure.
- Possibly improve defensive contributions (pressing, tracking back) if used in wide or supporting roles, given Arteta’s demand for team work off the ball.
Conclusion
Kenan Yildiz has many of the traits Arsenal would value: flair, creativity, goal contribution, versatility, and potential to grow. In Arsenal’s system he could serve as a creative spark, whether in the 10-role, supporting striker, or even on the wing, offering new tactical options.
If the transfer were to happen, he might initially rotate in matches, gradually taking more responsibility, before possibly becoming a central figure in the attack. Given his age, Arsenal’s ambition, and the club’s style, there is a strong argument that Yildiz could become a star at the Emirates — adding fresh dimension and helping maintain their competitiveness at the highest level.
