The pursuit comes at a complex moment for Yildiz. Despite his rising market value, currently estimated at €75 million, the forward was unexpectedly benched for Turkey’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup. This tactical decision by the national team coaching staff stands in contrast to his high-profile status in Serie A. Juventus, however, has reportedly rebuffed initial inquiries from Arsenal, signaling a desire to retain their young star as a cornerstone of their future project.
Transfer experts, including David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano, indicate that Arsenal’s summer spending could exceed last year’s £250 million outlay. While Yildiz remains the priority, the club is also monitoring alternatives such as Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Romano noted that while contact has been made regarding other options, Yildiz remains the high-stakes target that could define Arsenal’s summer strategy. The London club is looking to balance its interest in a new ‘number nine’ with the urgent need for a versatile left-sided attacker, a role Yildiz has mastered at Juventus.