Turkish starlet Kenan Yıldız is now a high-priority transfer for Manchester United.
The 20-year-old forward has quickly become Juventus’s new No. 10 and a rising star in Serie A. Arsenal and Chelsea are also watching closely. However, reports in England and Italy suggest that the Red Devils are pushing hardest so far, edging past their rivals in the pursuit. Any deal would likely exceed $90 million.
Juventus is unlikely to part ways with its promising left-winger. He has recorded four assists and two goals in just six games this season, following a strong start last season.
Turin sees him as a player to build their future around. Igor Tudor has utilized him across the front line, although his best contributions come from drifting into the left half-space, linking play between midfield and attack.
Juventus is in a stronger position than in past summers. Losses have narrowed, Champions League revenue has returned, and a $116 million capital injection has stabilized the club’s finances. That stability gave them the confidence to turn down Chelsea’s $70 million offer in July. With Yıldız under contract until 2029 and no release clause in sight, Juventus can demand a premium, knowing they hold the leverage.
On the Premier League side, United’s pursuit is shaped by their uneven start under Rúben Amorim. The attack has looked blunt, and pundits like Wayne Rooney have questioned the team’s identity. Fans on Reddit split between calling Yıldız the “spark we’ve been missing” and warning against “another big-fee gamble in chaos.” Arsenal and Chelsea, meanwhile, are positioning themselves as alternatives should Juventus eventually soften.
Who needs him most?
At United, Yıldız would slot into Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system as a left-sided creator. His ability to receive under pressure and combine with a striker suits the manager’s principles, though the turbulence around the club makes integration a risk.
Arsenal offer stability and a clear tactical fit. Mikel Arteta’s system relies on half-space creators, and Yıldız could rotate with Leandro Trossard or Eberechi Eze while dovetailing with Martin Ødegaard. The question is whether he would see enough minutes in such a deep squad.
Chelsea already tested Juventus’s resolve and could return with a higher bid. Enzo Maresca’s patient buildup has drawn criticism from supporters who call it slow. Still, Yıldız’s ability to turn on the half-turn and inject tempo would provide exactly the variety they need.
The narrative around Marcus Rashford adds noise. Some reports suggest his departure could fund a move, but in reality he is only on loan at Barcelona with a purchase option for next summer. That means United can’t rely on an immediate sale to cover the fee.
The likeliest outcome is a tug-of-war in summer 2026. Mid-season, there is little incentive for Juventus to cash out, and inside Turin, Yıldız is viewed as central to the club’s identity. The Premier League’s elite clubs, though, are unlikely to back off. Whoever convinces him — and Juventus — will be investing in a forward seen as one of Europe’s next attacking stars.
