Kenan Yildiz, an 18-year-old football prodigy, has garnered the attention of Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal, with his impressive performances both for Juventus Turin and the Turkish national team sparking a potential transfer battle.

BERLIN, GERMANY: Kenan Yildiz of Turkey celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during an international friendly match between Germany and Turkey at Olympiastadion on November 18, 2023. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY: Kenan Yildiz of Turkey celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during an international friendly match between Germany and Turkey at Olympiastadion on November 18, 2023. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Kenan Yildiz, an 18-year-old footballer who played in all of FC Bayern‘s youth teams before moving to Juventus Turin in 2022, is drawing significant attention from top Premier League clubs.

Recently, Yildiz has been impressing recently, particularly in the Turkish national team, catching the eye of both Arsenal and Liverpool.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal and Liverpool have listed Yildiz as a target.

Arsenal, in particular, are reportedly planning a move for the young player in the January transfer window.

This puts the London club in direct competition with Liverpool, where coach Jürgen Klopp is also said to be interested in the former Bayern Munich youth talent.

LFC’s sports director Jörg Schmadtke, according to Calciomercato, has been following Yildiz since his time in Bayern’s youth ranks and is believed to have recommended the Turkish striker.

Juventus, where Yildiz still has a contract until 2027, sees great potential in the young player. However, the striker has had limited opportunities at Juventus, making only five brief Serie A appearances so far.

He last played in the league in a 1-0 win against Hellas Verona on October 28th, and is otherwise gaining experience in Juve’s second team while also gracing Juventus’s bench.

CARDIFF, WALES: Kenan Yildiz of Turkey during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Wales and Turkey at Cardiff City Stadium on November 21, 2023. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
CARDIFF, WALES: Kenan Yildiz of Turkey during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Wales and Turkey at Cardiff City Stadium on November 21, 2023. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

In contrast, Yildiz has been impressive in international games for Turkey. He notably scored a remarkable goal against Germany, leading Turkey to a 3-2 victory in a friendly match.

This was particularly notable as Yildiz, born in Regensburg and the son of a German mother, was also eligible to play for Germany but never received a call from the DFB.

Reports indicate that Yildiz is frustrated with his situation at Juventus, particularly following his impressive performances for Turkey.

Florian Plettenberg reports that talks are expected to take place soon about a potential winter departure for Yildiz, with various options on the table, including a loan or a permanent deal.

Teams from both Germany and England, including Arsenal as mentioned, have shown interest in the young player.

Turkish-Football also reported that Arsenal have joined the race for Yildiz and have enquired about his availability. While Arsenal have not yet submitted a formal offer, they are reportedly keen to do so in the upcoming January transfer window.