Arsenal eye £60m Kenan Yildiz as Martinelli swap looms

Arsenal have cleared a defensive gap by signing Ezri Konsa for £51 million, but now need a left‑wing forward. The Gunners are exploring a £60 million move for 21‑year‑old German‑born Turkey international Kenan Yildiz, with a possible swap that could send Gabriel Martinelli the other way.

Defensive fix completed, attack now priority

Having agreed a £51 million deal for defender Ezri Konsa, Arsenal's back‑line concerns eased, especially after the long‑term injury to Wilo Saliba. Mikel Arteta said the club is “really active in the market” and will announce further signings when ready. The Gunners now focus on bolstering the left side of the attack.

Kenan Yildiz emerges as top target

Kenan Yildiz, 21, is high on the shortlist and Arteta in particular wants the German‑born Turkey international. Juventus value him at north of £60 million, a figure reflected in the caption ImagesKenan – Juventus(Image by Filippo Alfero - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images. Juventus, FC/Juventus and FC are all mentioned in the source.

Juventus would demand a fee that would push Arsenal’s net summer spend to almost £200 million after already paying for Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Konsa. To balance the books, a swap involving Gabriel Martinelli, the 25‑year‑old left out of Arteta’s Community Shield squad, has been discussed.

Arsenal move for this talented midfielder should Arteta snap him

Yildiz joined Juventus on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 after progressing through Bayern Munich’s academy. Last season he recorded 11 goals and nine assists in 47 appearances, helping Juventus to a sixth‑place finish in Serie A.

Arsenal have also kept an eye on Junior Kroupi from Bournemouth, a target before his pre‑season injury, and Julian Alvarez, who may become available after Atletico Madrid’s refusal to sell him to Barcelona.

Arsenal lock in Arteta with £20 million deal as rivals scramble

Arteta admitted that long‑serving players such as Martinelli may have to be moved on. “It’s a really, really tough moment, you need to face that reality,” he said, stressing honesty and transparency in difficult conversations. Get the latest updates as the Gunners shape their next campaign.