Arsenal have held “new” talks with the agent of the Juventus star, who was recommended to Real Madrid by Xabi Alonso, according to reports this week.
Arsenal face Brentford after Man City’s dramatic win against Fulham
Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium tonight and will look to get back to winning ways when they host Brentford in a crucial Premier League clash, which took on added significance after Man City’s dramatic 5-4 win over Fulham last night.
A disappointing 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend has cut the Gunners’ lead at the top of the table to just two points, despite Arsenal remaining on a 17-game unbeaten run since losing to Liverpool earlier in the season.
Arsenal remain unbeaten in all competitions since losing to Liverpool |
|---|
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest |
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal |
Arsenal 1-1 Man City |
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal |
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal |
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos |
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham |
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal |
Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid |
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace |
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton |
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal |
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal |
Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal |
Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham |
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich |
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal |
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea could only pick up one point despite playing the majority of the game with 10 men.
Arsenal face a significant injury challenge with Gabriel Magalhães missing the Brazil international with a thigh problem.
Fabrizio Romano: Berta eyes ‘bargain’ move for player described as Arsenal’s ‘top’ star
He might be a sniper.
Arteta has recently hinted he could be out until 2026, while Kai Havertz continues to recover from the knee injury that has kept him sidelined since the opening game.
William Saliba is also a doubt after missing the Chelsea trip, but Arteta has provided a seemingly positive update that suggests the Frenchman is within days of returning.
Away from the pitch, sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly continuing with plans to strengthen the squad, even as Arsenal spent nearly £270m signing eight major players in the summer.
Arsenal are thought to be a target for Real Madrid star Rodrygo and Berta senses an opportunity as the Brazilian’s future at the Bernabéu becomes increasingly uncertain.
Ironically, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal are also targeting Real to replace Rodrigo.
Arsenal hold ‘new’ talks with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz
Corriere said Alonso had personally recommended Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz to Real as a target, but they now face stiff competition from north London.
Juve are looking to fend off suitors by locking down the 20-year-old with new terms, but negotiations are still ongoing and there is significant ground to cover at the moment when it comes to Yildiz’s salary.
Mr Yildiz is asking for nearly four times his current salary to put him on par with high earners such as Jonathan David, but the old lady has so far offered less than her asking price.
The player also wants assurances about his role and Juve’s plans to win big trophies, with his priority remaining in Turin, but talks over a new contract are thought to have stalled for now.
Corriere reports that Arsenal have made a “new move” to discuss terms with Yildiz’s agent, with Arteta’s side said to be “fascinated” by the Turkish international.
Unfortunately for Berta, other recent reports in Italy claim that Juve want around £88 million to part ways with their young superstar, which could require a major investment from the Arsenal side after their already huge summer spending.
