Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has rejected suggestions that Kenan Yildiz could leave the club this summer, insisting the winger remains part of his plans despite reported interest from Arsenal.
Yildiz, 21, has emerged as one of Juventus’ most important players and is attracting attention from the Premier League. Arsenal are understood to be searching for a new left winger after pursuing Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior earlier in the transfer window.
Neither player joined Mikel Arteta’s side. Rogers chose to move to Chelsea, while Vinicius extended his contract with Real Madrid.
Those developments have reportedly led Arsenal to focus on Yildiz, who enjoyed a highly productive campaign for Juventus last season. The Turkey international scored 14 goals and supplied 10 assists in 51 appearances, underlining his growing importance to the Italian club.
However, Spalletti has made clear that Juventus do not intend to consider the winger’s departure during the final week of the transfer window. Speaking to reporters before the club’s Serie A opening match against Frosinone on Sunday, 22 August, he dismissed the idea that a sizeable offer could change his position.
“They can offer whatever they want, but I want Kenan Yildiz with us,” he said.
“His future is already important at Juventus”.
The comments represent a firm response to reports linking Yildiz with a move to Arsenal. Spalletti’s position is that the player’s immediate future lies in Turin, regardless of the level of interest from England or the financial terms that might be proposed.
Arsenal’s pursuit of a left-sided attacker has already included interest in Rogers and Vinicius, but both possibilities ended without a transfer. Rogers opted for Chelsea, while Vinicius committed his future to Real Madrid by signing a contract extension.
That has left Yildiz as the latest player to be associated with Arteta’s recruitment plans. His performances for Juventus, combined with his age and attacking output, have made him a prominent target in reports surrounding Arsenal’s search.
For Juventus, the winger’s contribution last season has strengthened his status within the squad. His 14 goals and 10 assists across 51 matches were central to his reputation as one of the club’s leading attacking players.
Spalletti’s remarks suggest Juventus are not preparing for Yildiz to leave before the transfer window closes. Instead, the manager expects the Turkish winger to remain available as the club begins its Serie A campaign against Frosinone.
