Arsenal-linked Kenan Yildiz has received a major endorsement from Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella as the Juventus attacker continues his recovery from a serious foot injury.
The Gunners explored a move for Yildiz during the summer transfer window, only to be met with a firm refusal from Juventus.
Read Arsenal covered the €100million message Arsenal received from Juventus over Yildiz before the window closed.
There has been no fresh Arsenal bid or approach since then.
However, Montella’s latest comments underline why the 21-year-old remains one of the most highly-rated young attacking players in Europe.
Montella makes huge Kenan Yildiz prediction
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of Turkey’s Nations League fixtures, Montella offered a glowing assessment of Yildiz’s long-term ceiling.
As reported by FootballTransfers, the Turkey manager said:
“Yildiz will become one of the world’s top players.”
Montella also discussed the tactical evolution that could still come in the Juventus forward’s game.
Yildiz has predominantly operated from the left side for club and country, but Montella believes his development could eventually see him become more influential centrally.
He explained that Yildiz may not currently be a conventional No.10 but still has the ability to evolve into that role by starting wide and moving inside.
That versatility was one of the qualities that made him an appealing profile for Arsenal during the summer.
Arsenal tracked Yildiz during summer window
Arsenal’s interest in Yildiz was well established before the September deadline.
The club made an enquiry earlier in the summer but were informed that Juventus did not want to sell the Turkey international.
Read Arsenal later reported that Mikel Arteta remained interested in whether a deal for Yildiz could be constructed as Arsenal considered options on the left side of their attack.
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti then publicly closed the door on a transfer.
The situation became even more complicated when Yildiz suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his left foot.
Yildiz recovering after foot surgery
Yildiz is currently unavailable for Juventus and Turkey after undergoing surgery at the end of August.
Juventus confirmed the operation was successful and that the attacker immediately began a rehabilitation programme.
ANSA subsequently reported that he could face around three months on the sidelines.
That absence has ruled Yildiz out of Turkey’s current Nations League squad and means any immediate transfer discussion remains secondary to his recovery.
Arsenal had already been forced to reconsider their summer options after the injury, as we covered when Yildiz’s setback complicated the club’s search for another winger.
Why Yildiz still fits Arsenal’s long-term profile
Montella’s comments do not represent a fresh transfer development.
They do, however, reinforce why Arsenal previously explored his availability.
Yildiz combines the ability to receive wide, carry the ball into central areas and operate between midfield and attack.
That profile would give Arteta tactical flexibility rather than simply another conventional winger.
Arsenal ultimately ended the summer without signing Yildiz, while Juventus retained one of their most valuable young players.
Whether the Gunners revisit that interest in a future window remains to be seen.
For now, Yildiz’s focus is on completing his rehabilitation.
But Montella’s prediction is another reminder of the level of player Arsenal were attempting to add during the summer.
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