Chelsea are prepared to reignite their interest in Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz as they look to bolster their attack. The Old Lady forward is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe. Chelsea have reportedly already seen one €70 million (£61m/$81m) offer rejected by the Serie A giants, who are understandably keen to retain the Turkey's international's services.
AFPContract renewal issues could pave way for Chelsea move
Yildiz is keen to extend his stay at Juventus, who are under no pressure to sell one of their prized assets. Indeed, the 20-year-old is contracted to the Turin powerhouse until 2029 and it would take a significant offer for the Serie A outfit to sell the forward.
However, Gazzetta dello Sport report that talks between Juventus and Yildiz's father-agent have slowed in recent times, which may pave the way for Chelsea to secure his services in the foreseeable future. The player's agent is requesting a higher wage having established himself as a key first team player, though Juventus are yet to bow to demands.
Even so, there is a desire for both parties to agree terms on a new deal with Yildiz widely considered one of the most talented young players in Europe.
AdvertisementChelsea have already seen one bid rejected
Despite a willingness to agree to a new deal, Chelsea are said to be monitoring Yildiz's situation in Italy closely. It's been reported that the Blues saw a €70m bid for the former Bayern trainee rejected outright over the summer by Juventus CEO Damien Comolli.
The Blues, though, are 'ready to attack' for Yildiz with another approach likely. Chelsea heavily invested on the frontline over the summer, signing Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap, and loaning Facundo Buonanotte, while Brazilian prodigy Estevao officially joined earlier this year.
Even so, the west London side are looking to add to their young pool of talent in the final third, with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto further options for head coach Enzo Maresca.
The Blues currently sit seventh in the Premier League table after taking 11 points from their opening seven games; they beat Liverpool 2-1 prior to the international break, and will hope to build on that when they face Nottingham Forest on October 18, once domestic duties resume.
Getty Images SportPremier League side not the only team interested in Yildiz
Chelsea, though, wouldn't have a straight shot at signing Yildiz should Juventus budge on their stance on the prodigious talent. La Liga giants Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the Turkey international as they look to invest out wide.
Barcelona are well stocked with left-sided options after the arrival of Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, while Raphinha has established himself as one of the finest wide talents in Europe. It does remain to be seen whether the Blaugrana will seek to make Rashford's move permanent, while the La Liga champions are aware that Raphinha turns 29 in December and are looking to future proof their left flank.
Furthermore, Hansi Flick's side are seeking to unite Yildiz with Kopa Trophy 2025 winner Lamine Yamal to forge a destructive wing pairing as they aim to secure domestic and continental silverware in the future. Barcelona had hoped to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club over the summer, yet failed in their pursuit of the Spain international, and may turn their attention to Yildiz as a result.
Yildiz looking to fire Juve to glory
Yildiz has made a solid start to the season for Juventus having provided three assists and scored one goal; no player has registered more assists than Yildiz in Italy's top tier this term. Igor Tudor's side are one of two unbeaten sides after six games in Serie A, though Tudor has overseen three successive draws with his team currently fifth on 12 points.
Juventus return to domestic duties next weekend with a trip to high-flying Como. Cesc Fabregas' side have collected nine points in the opening weeks of the season, and are unbeaten in four following their 1-1 draw at Atalanta prior to the international break.
