Spalletti Rejects Arsenal Interest in Kenan Yildiz After 10-Goal Season

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti confirmed Kenan Yildiz will remain in Turin despite Premier League interest following his 16-goal contribution last term.

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed on Saturday, August 22, 2026, that 21-year-old winger Kenan Yildiz will not be sold during the current transfer window. The Türkiye international enters the new campaign following a productive year in which he recorded 10 goals and six assists across 36 Serie A appearances. Despite reports linking the former Bayern Munich youth player to Premier League champions Arsenal, Spalletti stated that no financial offer would prize the attacker away from the Turin-based club this summer.

Arsenal, who opened their title defense with a 3-0 victory over Coventry City on Friday, reportedly viewed Yildiz as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazil international currently faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium. However, Yildiz remains under contract at Juventus through the summer of 2030, providing the Italian side with significant leverage in negotiations. Spalletti dismissed the notion of a transfer even if a bid reached the 100 million mark, noting that the player is already at a club with equivalent financial power.

Spalletti Dismisses Premier League Speculation

Addressing reporters ahead of the season opener, Spalletti described his mindset as "very calm" regarding the external interest. He emphasized that Yildiz is a mature individual who understands he should not rush his career progression. The manager, who was appointed last October on an initial short-term deal, is now preparing for his first full campaign at the helm. He insisted that the winger's future is firmly rooted in Turin and that he intends to field the player throughout the upcoming season.

Juventus finished the previous Serie A campaign in sixth place, tallying 69 points. This total left them 18 points behind the league champions, Inter Milan. As the club seeks to close that gap, Spalletti views Yildiz as an untouchable asset. The winger originally joined the Italian giants in 2022 after developing through the youth ranks at Bayern Munich, and his role has expanded significantly since his arrival.

Juventus Season Opener at Frosinone

The Turin club will begin their new Serie A schedule with an away fixture at Frosinone this Sunday. This match marks the start of Spalletti’s attempt to improve upon last year's sixth-place finish. While Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been active in the market—recently hailing Tzolis while playing down an injury to Guimarães—Spalletti has effectively closed the door on any negotiations involving his star winger.

Spalletti’s stance remains firm regardless of the financial capabilities of English clubs. He reiterated that the player's development should not be accelerated by external pressure. The coach’s comments on Saturday serve as a definitive response to the recent days of speculation surrounding the Turkish international. With the transfer deadline approaching, the Juventus hierarchy appears aligned in their decision to retain the 21-year-old as a cornerstone of their tactical setup for the 2026-27 campaign.