Kenan Yıldız transfer interest and injury status

In early August 2026, Juventus completed the signing of Turkish defender Zeki Çelik from Roma. Following his arrival, reports emerged regarding interest from Arsenal in Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız, with speculation suggesting a potential transfer worth approximately £80 million, though Juventus indicated they would require a “crazy offer” exceeding €100 million to sell the player.

By late August, the situation regarding Yıldız shifted from transfer speculation to medical concerns. The midfielder sustained a left foot injury during a 1-0 Serie A victory over Frosinone. Medical examinations at the J Medical facility have indicated a possible fracture, leading to concerns that the Turkish international may require surgical intervention.

If an operation is performed, Yıldız could be sidelined for approximately two to three months, potentially missing key fixtures through September and October. This development poses a major tactical challenge for manager Luciano Spalletti, as the 21-year-old is a central figure in the team’s offensive strategy. The injury is also expected to impact the Turkish national team’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures in late September and early October.

Specifically, if surgery is confirmed, Yıldız could remain sidelined until late October, missing critical matches against Napoli and Milan, as well as Europa League league phase fixtures. In response, Juventus is evaluating tactical alternatives and potential moves in the final days of the transfer window to bolster the attacking lineup. While some reports suggest the club may accelerate pursuits for players like Joshua Zirkzee or Alexander Sørloth, others note the squad possesses depth with players such as Jeremie Boga, Kerim Alajbegovic, and Francisco Conceição to manage the temporary loss.