Arsenal eye up move for Serie A star as potential alternative to priority target Nico Williams: Reports
Arsenal have reportedly set sights on signing Juventus winger Kenan Yıldız if they fail to get Nico Williams. The Gunners are keen on adding a left winger and see him as the ideal 'Plan B' option.
As per a report in Tutto Sport via Just Arsenal, Yildiz is the new name on their list as they look to bolster their attack. The young Turkish star impressed with Juventus last season and has attracted interest from several clubs.
The report claims Chelsea and Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the 20-year-old, while Manchester United are also interested. The winger is now a target for Andrea Berth, who has taken over as the sporting director at the Emirates from Edu, is leading the chase and wants to get the deal done.
However, the Italian publication reports that Yilzid will cost a lot more than William's €90 million release clause. The Italian side wants over €90 million for the Turkish star, who scored 7 goals and assisted 4 times in the Serie A last season.
Arsenal urged to sign Nico Williams or set Manchester United star by Emmanuel Petit
Emmanuel Petit spoke to Prime Casino in 2024 and claimed that Nico Williams was the ideal player to bring to Arsenal. He stated that the Spaniard was a dream signing for Mikel Arteta's tactics and said:
"Arsenal have so much ambition, a young average age and Mikel Arteta has just signed a new contract, he and staff know what they are doing in the transfer market and now they need to bring in some competition. One player that Arsenal should go all out for is Nico Williams, it would be a dream signing for Mikel Arteta. He is an amazing player and he'll be wanted by so many clubs, I hope he ends up at Arsenal."
However, he changed his mind later in the year and claimed that Marcus Rashford was the one to target, as Williams was likely to join Barcelona. He said:
"I know Nico Williams has been linked, but I'm told he'll never come to the Premier League if he leaves Athletic Bilbao, he'd only go to Barcelona. Marcus Rashford would be an interesting signing for Arsenal. I'm very frustrated with Gabriel Martinelli's performances at the moment, he's very inconsistent and it's annoying to watch. He's been like a ghost on the pitch. Competition for a spot in the XI is important for Arsenal, look at Liverpool's bench, the quality they have is amazing."
Nico Williams' agent was spotted in Barcelona's offices on Friday evening. The winger was holding talks with the Catalan side, while Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs.