Luciano Spalletti, coach of Juventus, has dismissed rumors regarding Arsenal‘s interest in Türkiye winger Kenan Yildiz, stating that no sum of money could convince him to leave Juventus this summer.
The 21-year-old Yildiz has been linked to a move to the Premier League champions recently, particularly as a possible replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, amid uncertainties surrounding the Brazilian international’s future.
– Premier League transfers: All confirmed ins, outs
– Arteta addresses Guimarães injury, praises Tzolis
However, Spalletti seems to have firmly closed the door on any potential transfer.
“I remain calm because the player is Yildiz,” Spalletti remarked to the media on Saturday. “From my perspective, it’s straightforward; they can make any offer, but I want to have Yildiz available for next season.”
“Yildiz is an individual with whom I can have mature discussions. He understands the importance of taking his time and not rushing his decisions. His future holds significant value at Juventus.”
Yildiz joined Juventus in 2022 after progressing through the youth ranks at Bayern Munich. He is contracted with Juventus until the summer of 2030, having scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 36 Serie A matches last season.
“It’s not a matter of someone offering 100 million or a club with the financial capacity to spend right now,” Spalletti continued. “He is already at the club that would offer that amount for him. Therefore, we are all very relaxed.”
Spalletti, who previously coached Italy and Napoli, is preparing for his first full season with Juventus after being appointed last October, initially on a temporary contract till season’s end.
Last season, Juventus finished sixth in the standings with 69 points, 18 points behind champions Inter Milan.
Their Serie A campaign kicks off against Frosinone on Sunday.
Arsenal began their title defense in the Premier League with a decisive 3-0 victory over Coventry City on Friday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.