Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has brushed off reported interest from Arsenal in Türkiye winger Kenan Yildiz, saying no amount of money could prize him away from the Turin club this summer.
Yildiz, 21, has been linked with a transfer to the Premiere League champions in recent days as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli amid the Brazil international’s uncertain future.
But Spalletti appears to have closed the door on any move.
“I experience it calmly because the player is Yildiz,” Spalletti told reporters on Saturday. “From my point of view, it’s simple, they can offer whatever they want, I want to be able to field Yildiz next season.
“Yildiz is a guy who is perfect to have mature conversations with. And consequently, he knows very well that he shouldn’t rush anything, that he shouldn’t speed anything up. His future is already important at Juventus.”
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Yildiz, who joined Juventus in 2022 after coming through the youth ranks at Bayern Munich, has a contract through to the summer of 2030. He scored 10 goals and added six assists in 36 Serie A appearances last season.
“It’s not important because someone offers 100 million or because there is a club that has the financial power to spend at this moment,” Spalletti added. “He is already at the club that offers 100 million for him. So, we are all very calm.”
Former Italy and Napoli coach Spalletti is preparing for his first full campaign with Juventus after being appointed last October, initially on a contract until the end of the season.
Juventus finished last season in sixth place in the standings with 69 points, trailing champions Inter Milan by 18 points.
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They will begin their Serie A campaign at Frosinone on Sunday.
Arsenal began the defense of their Premier League title with a 3-0 win over Coventry City on Friday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
