Juventus' Kenan Yildiz. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
Arsenal’s recruitment drive in the summer of 2025 was nothing short of relentless.
Determined to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts, the Gunners splashed out on Noni Madueke from Chelsea, secured headline striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon — finally filling the long-standing No.9 void — and added defensive reinforcement in Christian Mosquera from Valencia, among several others.
The investments have already paid off. The new signings have integrated seamlessly, providing Mikel Arteta with both depth and quality across the pitch. While all have shown promise, one player has stood out in particular: Martin Zubimendi.
The Spanish midfielder has transformed Arsenal’s engine room since arriving from Real Sociedad. Calm under pressure, sharp in distribution, and defensively disciplined, Zubimendi has added a layer of balance that was previously missing — while also chipping in going forward, notably scoring twice in a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Yet, despite a hugely encouraging start, Arsenal appear far from finished in the transfer market. The North London club are already laying the groundwork for future deals.
Arsenal Make Contact Over Yildiz
According to Tutto Juve, Arsenal have made contact with the representatives of Kenan Yildiz, Juventus’ rising star who has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents.
The Italian giants are said to value the Turkish international between €80m (£70m) and €100m, and while they have little intention of selling, Arsenal’s interest is clear. Juventus are reportedly looking to head off suitors by offering the 20-year-old a bumper new deal, despite his current contract already running until 2029.
Yildiz has been described by Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella as a “complete” attacking player — a forward with technical flair, vision, and end product to match. Chelsea even tried to test Juventus’ resolve this summer with a £61m bid, which was rejected outright.
The teenager has only strengthened his reputation since. He’s begun the 2025/26 campaign in electric form, notching two goals and four assists in his first five appearances across all competitions, a run that earned him the Serie A Player of the Month award for August.
For Arsenal, the attraction is obvious. If they can prise Yildiz away from Turin, they wouldn’t just be securing another exciting young talent — they’d be landing a player with the potential to become one of the Premier League’s elite forwards.
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