Real Madrid renew interest in Juventus star Kenan Yildiz

Real Madrid are preparing to revive their pursuit of Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, with the Turkey international valued at about €100m and Arsenal and Bayern Munich also monitoring his situation.

Juventus could face losing Yildiz if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, amid strong interest from several of Europe’s leading clubs.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Real Madrid have returned to the race for the 20-year-old and are applying significant pressure. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also waiting for an opportunity to make their move.

Juventus have valued Yildiz at around €100m, and possibly more, for almost a year. During the January 2025 transfer window, when Xabi Alonso was Real Madrid manager, the Spanish club requested information about the player and indicated they were prepared to sign him.

Yildiz was reportedly Alonso’s primary target, particularly as problems increased within Real Madrid’s dressing room. One of the main issues was the tension involving Vinicius Junior, who was viewed as a potential obstacle to the Turkish forward’s arrival.

The future of the Brazilian remained uncertain until the beginning of last August, when a lengthy meeting ended with an agreement to extend his contract.

Arsenal and Bayern also interested

Real Madrid are not the only club to have shown an interest in Yildiz. Arsenal have previously considered signing him as they look for a left winger, having spent €40m last summer to bring in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.

Bayern Munich have followed Yildiz since he left the German club, although their interest has been more distant. Bayern currently have Luis Diaz in that position, while Yildiz could also operate in a front three alongside Sibari, Olise, Musiala and Karl, although that option would be more complicated.

Corriere dello Sport said: “Real Madrid could return to the Yildiz file next June. The Turkish player, alongside Haaland, is one of the main names in the next Galacticos plan. As happened with Diomande, when Real Madrid offered €140m to Leipzig, money is not a problem.”

The report added: “In that position, there is only Vinicius, and putting the two in competition would not be a bad choice, given the number of matches during a year that will include the European Championship and Copa America.”

Juventus face a difficult decision

Juventus have changed their strategy, with Yildiz’s new contract reflecting his importance to the club. The deal is worth €7m a year for four and a half years, with a further €6m signing-on payment.

“The era of crazy contracts is over,” the report said. “Juventus have introduced a new wage ceiling, with a philosophy built around him as the leading figure in the project.”

Yildiz was declared non-transferable last summer, while Exor, the Agnelli family company that controls Juventus, announced a €250m capital increase.

However, if Juventus again fail to finish fourth, Kerim Alajbegovic could become important. The Bosnian was signed last summer for €30m, plus €5m in add-ons, and plays in the same position as Yildiz.

Yildiz is expected to remain out with an injury until December, giving Juventus time to assess the effect of his absence. With a replacement already at the club, a transfer in summer 2027 could become realistic, allowing Real Madrid to open negotiations from a starting point of €100m.