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Arsenal used by Jorge Mendes to push through deal for €100m superstar
Tom Weber
- Updated: 3 Jan 2026 19:18 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Juventus are closing in on a contract extension for Kenan Yildiz, giving rise to the belief that Arsenal were used by superagent Jorge Mendes to push through the deal.
The Turkish wonderkid has become the face of Juventus in recent seasons. Since joining in 2022, Yildiz has been handed several new contracts to reflect his growing status, yet his salary has remained quite modest for a player of his calibre.
It is believed that the 20-year-old currently earns €1.5 million annually. Naturally, he is keen on having his salary augmented. Juventus, too, are willing to give him yet another improved contract in a bid to fend off interest in their No.10.
Current ETV
Kenan Yıldız
F, M (L)
Juventus
Kenan Yıldız
F, M (L)
Juventus
ETV Range
€60.5M - €74M
However, the exact size of the pay increase has been the subject of disagreements. Superagent Jorge Mendes, although not formally Yildiz's representative, has been mandated to manage the 20-year-old's affairs.
The Portuguese is known for trying to get the most out of deals and is not afraid to use the media to put pressure on clubs to cough up more money. In the case of Yildiz, Mendes is reportedly asking for a €6m salary.
Juventus ready to give in to Yildiz's demands
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are now ready to give in to Yildiz and Mendes' demands and grant him his massive salary increase. They are desperate to keep hold of the youngster.
Chelsea are long-standing admirers, and their interest is intriguing, given the link with Mendes. Up until Thursday, his client Enzo Maresca was in charge of the Blues. To add another layer, Maresca is a long-standing coaching target for Juventus.
In recent weeks, Arsenal have also been increasingly linked with a €100m move for theTurkish prodigy. However, the report from Italy makes it clear that Yildiz has no desire to leave Juventus.
This revelation has prompted Sport Witness to speculate that the Gunners have been dragged into this whole Yildiz saga by Mendes to ramp up the pressure on Juventus. Given the player's intentions, the North London club never had a chance to sign him to begin with.
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