Arsenal handed Yildiz boost as Bayern Munich rule themselves out of £127m race

Arsenal have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz after Bayern Munich indicated they will not enter the bidding for the 21-year-old Turkey international, according to German publication BILD. The Bundesliga club, where Yildiz began his career before being released, are reportedly reluctant to be seen paying a premium to re-sign a player they let go.

Juventus have valued Yildiz at €150 million (£127m) and rebuffed Arsenal’s initial enquiry in the summer, insisting the winger was not for sale. Real Madrid were also credited with interest, but with Bayern now stepping aside, Arsenal are said to be in the driving seat — and, crucially, capable of meeting Juventus’s asking price.

The Gunners’ need for a marquee forward has been clear since the summer window closed without a high-profile attacking signing. Mikel Arteta’s side missed out on both Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, leaving a sense of unfinished business despite the arrivals of Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa.

On the subject of Alvarez, any prospect of a renewed approach appears firmly closed. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone publicly praised the Argentine’s attitude and commitment after the 26-year-old was reintegrated into the squad following a turbulent summer. Alvarez had repeatedly pushed for a move to Barcelona, missed training sessions in the final days of the window and was booed by Atletico supporters at the start of the season. He played the full second half of Atletico’s weekend win over Alaves, signalling his return to favour.

Alvarez had been unwilling to join Arsenal even when Atletico were open to offers, making a future move to north London unlikely given his apparent desire to remain in Spain.

Arsenal, meanwhile, returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday, coming from a goal down to beat Leeds United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, though they were dealt two fresh injury blows in the process ahead of their upcoming Champions League fixture against Lille.