Arsenal explore £60m Kenan Yildiz deal as Martinelli solution emerges

Arsenal are exploring whether a late summer move for Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is possible, with Gabriel Martinelli reportedly raised as one potential solution to an increasingly difficult deal.

Mikel Arteta remains keen to strengthen the left side of his attack despite Arsenal’s significant summer recruitment.

Miguel Delaney of The Independent reports that Yildiz remains high on Arsenal’s list, with Arteta particularly keen on the 21-year-old Turkey international.

Juventus have little desire to lose one of their leading young players and would demand upwards of £60million.

However, Arsenal are now looking into whether a deal can be constructed before the transfer window closes.

Arsenal looking into whether deal for Kenan Yildiz of Juventus is possible for this window

Arteta seeks to round out transfer business and complete squad, but a lot to consider, including outgoingshttps://t.co/dsdFQpK8KP

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) August 20, 2026

Kenan Yildiz Arsenal deal could involve Gabriel Martinelli

One possible solution raised involves Martinelli potentially moving in the opposite direction, although The Independent stresses that such an arrangement would still require considerable negotiation.

That possibility arrives at an intriguing moment in Martinelli’s Arsenal career.

ReadArsenal reported earlier on Thursday that Al-Hilal have added Martinelli to a three-man winger shortlist, although Fabrizio Romano says the Brazilian would prefer his next move to remain in Europe.

Juventus would therefore represent a very different potential destination.

Martinelli’s situation also fits into a wider problem acknowledged by Arteta.

The Arsenal manager admitted on Thursday that difficult transfer decisions now need to be made as Andrea Berta works on further outgoings.

Yildiz, meanwhile, would represent another significant attacking investment.

Arsenal had previously identified Vinicius Junior as an ideal option on the left, while Julian Alvarez has also featured prominently in their thinking.

The arrival of Christos Tzolis has therefore not necessarily ended Arsenal’s pursuit of another high-level attacker.

Whether Juventus can actually be convinced to negotiate over Yildiz is another question.

A valuation above £60m makes any conventional deal expensive.

Martinelli potentially entering the equation, however, offers Arsenal a fascinating alternative as they explore whether one more major attacking move can be completed.