-
News
- 1 hours ago
A text message from Xabi Alonso changes everything for Arsenal and Chelsea
Tom Weber
- 5 Dec 2025 09:53 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Real Madrid are stepping up their pursuit of Juventus superstar Kenan Yildiz, which could spell bad news for Arsenal and Chelsea, according to Italian media.
The Turkey international has become the face of Juventus in recent seasons, but talk of a potential departure in 2026 is growing amid as yet unsuccessful contract talks.
Although Yildiz is still tied to the club until 2029, the relationship between the two parties appears to have somewhat soured due to the Old Lady's unwillingness to yield to his - or superagent Jorge Mendes' - salary demands.
Current ETV
Kenan Yıldız
F, M (L)
Juventus
Kenan Yıldız
F, M (L)
Juventus
ETV Range
€62.7M - €76.7M
This has alerted his long-time admirers. Arsenal and Chelsea have both made contact with Yildiz's camp in recent weeks, although the two Premier League giants are waiting for a new round of talks between the player and Juventus.
These discussions are planned to take place shortly, according to Fabrizio Romano, and will hopefully provide some clarity on the direction of travel. If it becomes clear that the relationship between Yildiz and Juventus is broken, Arsenal and Chelsea will be at the front of the queue for his signing.
Real Madrid want Yildiz, too
However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via FussballTransfers), Yildiz is not only fielding interest from England. Real Madrid are also firmly in the mix, with head coach Xabi Alonso personally leading the charge.
Although the Spaniard is under pressure due to upsetting influential sections of the dressing room with his rigorous coaching methods, he retains the backing of club bosses for now.
It is claimed that Alonso has personally texted Yildiz to inform him of Real Madrid's desire to bring him in. This echoes reports from October, which asserted that the 44-year-old would be prepared to sacrifice big-name Los Blancos stars to sign the 20-year-old.
Alonso's decision to take matters into his own hands has left a positive impression on the Yildiz family, which handles the player's affairs along with the aforementioned Mendes, who is not formally his agent.
For now, Yildiz's future remains uncertain, but Real Madrid are positioning themselves to be able to pounce should he become available.
Football transfer news headlines today
Man Utd and Chelsea locked in race for ‘one in a million’ Bundesliga breakout sensation
Carlos Baleba to Man Utd: Transfer twist for €100m Brighton midfield ace
Liverpool’s Mo Salah transfer plan announced
Lionel Messi interview: 2026 World Cup advantage and why Argentina star 'doesn't care' about records
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
