Arsenal explore £60m Yildiz move with Martinelli offered in swap deal

Arsenal are exploring a move for Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, with the 21-year-old high on Mikel Arteta’s shortlist as the club searches for a left-sided forward. Reports from the Independent indicate that Gabriel Martinelli could be offered as part of a swap arrangement, with Juventus valuing Yildiz at north of £60 million.

The pursuit of Yildiz follows a frustrating summer on the attacking front for Arsenal. Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea in a £117 million deal before the Gunners could finalise an approach, while Vinicius Junior opted to extend his contract at Real Madrid rather than move to north London.

Arsenal have otherwise moved decisively in the transfer market, agreeing a £51 million deal to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, and also bringing in Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes. A Yildiz deal would push the club’s net spend this summer to close to £200 million, making a swap arrangement financially attractive as a way to balance the books.

Martinelli, 25, has been linked with an exit after being left out of Arteta’s squad for the Community Shield. While no negotiations are reported to have begun, his potential inclusion in a deal for Yildiz has been discussed internally.

Yildiz joined Juventus on a free transfer in 2022 after coming through Bayern Munich’s academy. The German-born Turkey international had his most productive season to date in 2024-25, registering 11 goals and nine assists in 47 appearances, though Juventus finished sixth in Serie A.

Arsenal are also monitoring other attacking options. Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth remains a longer-term target after a pre-season injury delayed any potential move, while Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez continues to feature on the club’s shortlist. Alvarez’s desire to leave, combined with Atletico blocking a move to Barcelona, could yet open a window for Arsenal to act.

Arteta has been open about the club’s ambitions following their Premier League title win, stating publicly that Arsenal cannot afford to stand still. “The ambition is to improve the squad,” he said on Thursday. “We are really active in the market.” The manager’s stated next targets are Champions League glory and domestic cup success.