Arsenal have emerged as the current frontrunners in a developing Premier League race to sign Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, as English clubs step up early transfer manoeuvres ahead of the 2026 winter window. The 20 year old Turkish international has become one of the most watched young forwards in Serie A, and Juventus are bracing for increased pressure as interest grows across Europe.

Club sources in Italy say Juventus expect formal approaches by January, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United monitoring Yildiz’s situation closely. Arsenal, however, are understood to be the most advanced in their internal evaluations and are preparing a decisive move to avoid a competitive auction later in the season.

Yildiz has gained a reputation for versatility and intelligent movement across the attacking line. He can operate in central channels or drift wide to create overloads, and his composure in tight spaces has made him one of the key breakout talents in Turin. His progress has accelerated under the club’s current system, where Juventus have relied on younger attacking profiles to build rhythm after several inconsistent seasons.

Arsenal’s interest reflects their wider recruitment strategy. Mikel Arteta and the club’s technical leadership have placed emphasis on players who can stretch defensive lines, maintain high tempo on transitions and offer long term development value. With the Premier League becoming more tactical and physically demanding, a multi positional forward capable of playing across attacking lanes fits Arsenal’s vision.

The Gunners have struggled for depth behind their first choice forwards, and Yildiz offers the kind of flexibility that could adjust to both rotation demands and tactical experiments. His left footed finishing and ability to manipulate tight spaces mirror some of the traits Arsenal have lacked during matches where opponents sit deep to close passing corridors.

Liverpool’s interest adds further weight to the competition. The club are considering structural changes to their attacking unit as Jürgen Klopp continues to reshape the forward line. Yildiz’s age profile and technical balance align with Liverpool’s medium term planning for squad refresh, especially with several players approaching contract decision points.

Manchester United remain in the mix as well, with the club keen to build a more fluid attack around emerging talents. United scouts view Yildiz as a long term asset who could grow alongside younger forwards, offering creativity in areas where the club have lacked consistency in recent seasons. Their approach, however, is contingent on outgoing moves and internal restructuring.

Juventus are reluctant to sell but understand the dynamic. Financial pressures and long term squad rebuilding mean the club must consider significant offers for top prospects. Italian reports indicate the player is valued above 40 million euros, but a competitive Premier League bidding environment could push the figure higher.

Yildiz’s rise has also caught attention beyond England. Bundesliga clubs have tracked his development, aware of his experience in Germany’s youth system before moving to Italy. However, Premier League sides have the financial leverage to outpace continental rivals.

For Arsenal, securing Yildiz early would prevent a mid season scramble, especially in a window that often inflates fees for attacking players. It would also send a strong signal about the club’s intention to remain competitive across multiple competitions as they continue to push for sustained Premier League and European relevance.

Yildiz’s current season has shown incremental improvements in decision making, link play and defensive discipline. Juventus staff credit his adaptability, saying he has adjusted quickly to tactical changes and thrives in high pressure phases of play. These attributes resonate with Premier League demands, where transitions are rapid and forwards must contribute at both ends.

Arsenal’s interest is driven as much by future planning as immediate need. With long term squad evolution underway, the club seeks players who can anchor the next phase of its attacking rebuild. Yildiz fits that profile, offering a blend of technical maturity and room for development. If Arsenal move decisively, they could avoid a broader transfer battle once other clubs accelerate negotiations.

No formal bids have been submitted, but early communication channels have opened. Juventus are expected to hold talks with the player’s camp over valuation, personal expectations and long term prospects. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are all expected to make further internal assessments before formal steps are taken.

Yildiz remains focused on Juventus for now, but the intensity of Premier League interest signals a transfer storyline that could define the January window. As competition heats up, Arsenal have positioned themselves at the front of the queue, though the race is far from settled.