Arsenal checks on ‘future Ballon d’Or winner’ expected to play in the World Cup
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing a talented left winger from a top European club. After winning the Premier League last season, head coach Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta want to strengthen the team even more as Arsenal prepares to compete in four big competitions: the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
Last summer’s new players like Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie, and Martin Zubimendi played a big part in helping Arsenal win the league and reach the Champions League final for just the second time ever.
Despite the great season, some players might be leaving. Reports say Arsenal are talking about selling Leandro Trossard, who has attracted interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United. The club is also open to offers for Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli. If Martinelli leaves, Arsenal will need to find someone to fill the spot on the left wing.
It looks like they may already have a target. The Athletic reports that Arsenal have asked about Kenan Yildiz, a 21-year-old Turkish player from Juventus. Born in Germany, Yildiz is part of Turkey’s World Cup team and is expected to be a key player alongside Real Madrid’s young star Arda Guler.
Yildiz has impressed in his three full seasons at Juventus. He came through the youth systems at both Juventus and Bayern Munich. He is signed with Juve until 2030 and has scored 27 goals and made 21 assists in 131 games. He has also been linked with big clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Former striker Giuseppe Rossi, who played for Manchester United and Italy, called Yildiz a future Ballon d’Or winner. In a 2025 interview, Rossi said, “He’s only 20 but plays like a 30-year-old with lots of Champions League experience. He tries amazing team plays, not just flashy moves. Juventus is Yildiz plus 10 others on the field.”
However, Juventus has told Arsenal that Yildiz isn’t for sale, so the Premier League champions might need to look at other options.
Arsenal are still interested in young stars like Jeremy Monga, a 16-year-old from Leicester City, and Emmanuel Mbemba, an 18-year-old defender from PSG. The club wants to bring in young players with lots of potential.
Arsenal might also consider offers for Christian Norgaard and Fabio Vieira, while the future of 19-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is unclear after his loan season with Marseille.