# Arsenal defensive activity and Juventus injury crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/arsenal-interest-in-juventus-winger-kaan-yildiz > Updated: 2026-09-06T22:44:22.000Z. Sources: 143. Developments: 9. Arsenal has finalized the signing of England international Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa to bolster their defense for the 2026-27 Premier League season. The deal, valued between £51 million and £55 million including potential add-ons, secures the 28-year-old defender on a long-term contract. Wearing the number 15 shirt, Konsa provides tactical flexibility for manager Mikel Arteta, offering coverage for both centre-back and right-back positions to address depth concerns involving William Saliba and Jurriën Timber. Konsa has since made a successful debut for the club in a match against Chelsea. Stepping in to cover for injuries to Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera, Konsa played in his preferred central defence role, recording a 100% pass completion rate on 37 attempts alongside six clearances, three tackles, and three won aerial duels. While Arsenal has reportedly monitored Paris Saint-Germain defender William Pacho, a move for the 24-year-old appears unlikely following his contract extension with PSG through 2031. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s pursuit of Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz has faced significant obstacles. Juventus has maintained a firm stance against selling the 21-year-old, with club general manager Damien Comolli describing him as “untouchable.” The club is currently navigating a major injury crisis. In addition to Yildiz recovering from a metatarsal fracture, midfielder Manuel Locatelli is sidelined for five to six months following surgery for a meniscus tear, and Khéphren Thuram remains out with patellar chondropathy. Jeremie Boga has also been sidelined with a biceps femoris injury. To manage these absences, manager Luciano Spalletti may rely on youth prospects from the Next Gen squad. ## Claims - Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti expressed his desire to keep Yildiz in the squad. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Yildiz is under contract with Juventus until the summer of 2030. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Kenan Yildiz has a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot. (single source) - Yildiz will likely require surgery for his foot injury. (single source) - The injury is expected to sideline Yildiz for approximately three months. (single source) - Juventus general manager Damien Comolli stated the club would not sell Yildiz even for €100 million. (single source) - Arsenal has identified Kenan Yildiz as a transfer target. (single source) - Yildiz recorded 11 goals and 10 assists in 47 appearances last season. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Ezri Konsa impresses in Arsenal debut amid transfer interest in William Pacho Ezri Konsa impressed in his Arsenal debut against Chelsea with a perfect passing rate and strong defensive stats. Meanwhile, Arsenal has reportedly monitored PSG defender William Pacho. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ezri-konsa-impresses-in-arsenal-debut-amid-transfer-interest-in-william-pacho ### 2026-09-03: Arsenal targets Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi for January transfer Arsenal is targeting Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi for a potential January transfer, with a valuation estimated between £86 million and £100 million. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-targets-attacking-reinforcements-for-january-transfer-window ### 2026-08-26: Kenan Yildiz faces surgery and long absence at Juventus Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz faces a three-month absence due to a foot fracture requiring surgery. Meanwhile, Arsenal continues to monitor the player as a primary transfer target. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenan-yildiz-transfer-to-arsenal-unlikely-amid-injury-and-juventus-resistance ### 2026-08-23: Juventus rejects Arsenal interest in Kenan Yildiz Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti and club management have declared winger Kenan Yildiz “untouchable,” rejecting potential €100 million interest from Arsenal. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/juventus-rejects-arsenal-interest-in-kenan-yildiz ### 2026-08-21: Arsenal sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa Arsenal has signed England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for a reported fee of approximately £55 million to strengthen their defense ahead of their Premier League title defense. 34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-sign-ezri-konsa-from-aston-villa-for-51-million ### 2026-08-18: Arsenal sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for £55m Arsenal has signed defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for a fee of up to £55m to bolster their defense amid injury concerns for William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. 88 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-targets-julian-alvarez-and-victor-osimhen-in-transfer-window ### 2026-08-10: Arsenal evaluates winger targets amid high transfer market prices Arsenal is exploring winger options including Bradley Barcola and Kenan Yildiz to bolster their attack, following the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-evaluates-winger-targets-amid-high-transfer-market-prices ### 2026-08-10: Arsenal targets Kenan Yildiz and Jules Kounde in transfer window Arsenal is targeting Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz for over £100m and monitoring Barcelona's Jules Kounde, while considering Galatasaray's interest in Gabriel Martinelli. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/juventus-resists-arsenal-interest-in-kenan-yildiz ### 2026-08-08: Arsenal targets Juventus winger Kaan Yildiz in €138 million bid Arsenal, after missing out on Vinicius Junior, is pursuing Juventus winger Kaan Yildiz, with a €138 million price tag that could push the club’s transfer budget to new limits. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-targets-juventus-winger-kaan-yildiz-in-138-million-bid --- Cite as: Arsenal defensive activity and Juventus injury crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/arsenal-interest-in-juventus-winger-kaan-yildiz