Arsenal make enquiry for 'future Ballon d'Or winner' set to feature at World Cup

Arsenal have reportedly made an enquiry regarding the transfer of a highly rated left winger from a major European club.

Having finally won the Premier League last season, head coach Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are keen to further bolster Arsenal’s ranks ahead of another demanding campaign, with the Gunners set to compete on four fronts – the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

Last summer’s recruits proved decisive as the introduction of key players Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi helped Arsenal secure a long-awaited title, as well as reach the Champions League final for only the second time in the club’s history.

Despite last season’s success, several players have been linked with a potential move away from the club, with reports from the Metro claiming Arsenal are in talks to sell Leandro Trossard amid interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Arsenal are also reportedly open to offers for Ben White, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, and appear to have the latter’s replacement already lined up.

Arsenal make enquiry for Martinelli replacement

If Martinelli were to leave, this would leave a void on the left flank, meaning Arsenal would need to look to the transfer market.

And it appears they are already making moves, with The Athletic reporting that the club have enquired about the availability of Juventus’ 21-year-old Turkish international Kenan Yildiz.

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Germany-born Yildiz is part of Turkey’s World Cup squad and is set to play a leading role for the nation alongside Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler.

He has impressed during his three senior seasons at Juventus, having previously represented the Italian giants, as well as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, at youth level.

Yildiz, who is contracted to Juve until 2030, has registered 27 goals and 21 assists in 131 appearances for the Turin club and has previously been linked with moves to the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Former Manchester United and Italy forward Giuseppe Rossi previously described Yildiz as “a Ballon d’Or winner in the future”.

Speaking to TuttoMercato in 2025, Rossi said: “The Turk is a phenomenon and will be a Ballon d’Or winner in the future: he’s 20, but he plays like a 30-year-old with 100 Champions League appearances.

“I have a soft spot for his ability to attempt a beautiful play for the good of the team, not just for the applause.

“Juventus is Yildiz plus 10 others; in terms of impact, he’s a bit like the Lamine Yamal of the Bianconeri.”

Despite the approach, Juve told Arsenal that Yildiz was not for sale, meaning the Premier League champions may be forced to look at alternative options.

Arsenal remain keen on Leicester City’s 16-year-old Jeremy Monga, as well as PSG’s 18-year-old defender Emmanuel Mbemba, with the club focusing on recruiting young players with high potential.

The north Londoners will also likely listen to offers for Christian Norgaard and Fabio Vieira, while 19-year-old Ethan Nwaneri’s future remains uncertain following his season-long loan spell at Marseille.