Arsenal would ‘lead the race’ to sign Kenan Yildiz if the Serie A giants are forced to cash in on their star forward.

Yildiz has been a long-term target for the Gunners but Juventus have so far proven reluctant sellers for the 21-year-old, who is expected to return from a four-month injury layoff in December.

However, Juve could be forced into major sales in the coming months after seeing their finances decline and Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio believes a €150 million deal for Yildiz could be considered fo

“Yildiz could leave in the summer, as Juventus needs to sell a player or bring in €70-80m on the transfer market,” Di Marzio told wettfreunde. "They signed Kerim Alajbegovic for this position and role because they are preparing for a possible departure of Yildiz."

"Arsenal and Tottenham inquired about the price at Juventus in the summer. They were prepared to offer more than €100m if Juventus would open the door for this transfer."

"Should Juventus sell Yildiz, his market value will be around €150m and I think Arsenal are among the clubs most interested in him. Tottenham are also interested, but in my opinion, Arsenal will lead the race should Juventus actually decide to sacrifice Yildiz to reach an agreement with UEFA."

Kenan Yildiz: Arsenal smell blood over Juventus forward

Yildiz was a target for Arsenal over the summer in Mikel Arteta’s pursuit to sign a new superstar forward, however his side were quickly warned off by Juve, who only recently extended the Turkish international’s contract until 2030.

Capable of playing up front, at the number 10 or on the left flank, Yildiz was Juventus’ top scorer last season with 11 goals in all competitions but he suffered a metatarsal injury in August during the opening game of the season.

Juve have had a mixed season since then, with Luciano Spalletti’s side sitting eighth in Serie A, and it is believed Champions League qualification would be necessary this year to avoid their financial situation worsening.

Arsenal could therefore make Yildiz a top target, with the club once again unlikely to convince Julian Alvarez to join after he recently committed himself to Atletico Madrid.