Yildiz 'welcomes' Arsenal move as Real Madrid cool interest in Calafiori

Kenan Yildiz has reportedly signalled his openness to joining Arsenal, according to Italian outlet TuttoSport, as the Gunners step up their pursuit of the 21-year-old Juventus winger. Separately, Real Madrid have backed away from a move for Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori after the club’s £86m valuation proved prohibitive.

Yildiz open to Emirates move

Yildiz only signed a new contract with Juventus in February, tying him to the Turin club until 2030, a deal the Serie A side had hoped would end speculation over his future. However, with Juventus failing to qualify for the Champions League, the club may need a significant cash injection — and Yildiz is the player most likely to command the biggest fee.

TuttoSport reports that Arsenal have explored a move in recent weeks, and that Yildiz views the Emirates Stadium as a welcome destination. Despite that apparent openness, Juventus majority shareholder John Elkann is said to have given short shrift to Arsenal’s initial advances. Whether financial pressure ultimately forces the Old Lady’s hand remains to be seen.

Real Madrid cool on Calafiori

Real Madrid’s interest in Riccardo Calafiori has faded after Arsenal placed an £86m price tag on the Italian centre-back. Los Blancos, rebuilding under Jose Mourinho following a trophy-less season, had been among the most prominent admirers of one of Europe’s most coveted defenders.

However, Real’s transfer budget has taken a substantial hit. Marc Cucurella’s £52m switch to the Bernabeu and a reported £78m bid for Manchester City’s Ruben Dias have already committed £130m of available funds. The free transfer of Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool adds further wage obligations on top of that outlay.

With reinforcements still required in other areas of the squad, Arsenal’s asking price for Calafiori now appears beyond what Mourinho’s side can realistically stretch to this summer.

Gunners prepare for new season

Arsenal open the defence of their Premier League title against newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday, 21 August. Mikel Arteta’s squad is expected to see both arrivals and departures before then, with the club working behind the scenes despite the transfer market remaining relatively quiet during the World Cup.

Fifteen Arsenal players are currently representing their countries in North America, including England quartet Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.