In a stunning development that could reshape Arsenal’s squad for the 2026/27 season, the Gunners have launched an audacious €100m double raid on Serie A, targeting Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz and AC Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani. Sources close to the negotiations confirm that Arsenal have made ‘direct contact’ with representatives of both players, signaling their intent to bolster Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side with fresh talent from Italy.
Arsenal, under the shrewd guidance of sporting director Andrea Berta, have been quietly plotting their next moves after a relatively subdued January transfer window. Having splashed over £250m in the summer, the club is now gearing up for a major summer 2026 offensive, aiming to add versatility and depth to an already formidable squad. This latest push focuses on addressing key areas: a dynamic forward to challenge Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing and a promising young goalkeeper to compete with David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Juventus star Kenan Yildiz next to the Arsenal badge – copyright TEAMtalk
At the heart of the swoop is 20-year-old Turkish international Kenan Yildiz, whose ‘delicate’ contract situation at Juventus has put Europe’s elite clubs on high alert. According to reports from CaughtOffside, Arsenal have positioned themselves ‘firmly in contention’ for the versatile attacker, who can operate across the front line. Yildiz, hailed as one of Serie A’s brightest stars and the 2024 Golden Boy Web award winner, is demanding a bumper new deal from Juve to reflect his growing stature. However, the Old Lady has balked at his wage demands, opening the door for a potential blockbuster exit.
Arsenal’s interest is far from casual – Berta has reportedly made ‘direct contact’ with Yildiz’s agent, super-agent Jorge Mendes, to express their eagerness. The Emirates Stadium project under Arteta ‘appeals’ to Yildiz and his entourage, drawn by the club’s track record in developing technically gifted forwards. Juventus are holding firm on a €90m (£79m) valuation, having rejected a €70m (£61.5m) bid from Chelsea last summer. If Arsenal meet that price, it would represent the lion’s share of their €100m package, underscoring their determination to outmaneuver rivals like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom are monitoring the situation closely.
Chelsea, in particular, are providing stiff ‘competition’ for Yildiz, with Enzo Maresca’s side ‘watching developments closely’ after their previous approach was rebuffed. But Arsenal’s proactive stance could give them the edge, especially as no progress has been made in Yildiz’s contract talks with Juve since early December.
Complementing the Yildiz pursuit is Arsenal’s ‘very strong interest’ in AC Milan’s 20-year-old goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani, as revealed by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport. Torriani burst onto the scene during a pre-season friendly against Arsenal in July, where he heroically saved three penalties, leaving a ‘huge impression’ on Gunners officials. Currently third-choice behind Mike Maignan and an expected experienced replacement when Maignan departs in 2026, Torriani is eager for first-team opportunities and would be ‘open’ to a move.
Milan previously turned down a €10m (£9m) offer for the young shot-stopper, meaning Arsenal will need to up the ante to secure his signature. This relatively modest fee rounds out the €100m double deal, providing Arteta with a long-term goalkeeping option who could inject healthy competition into the squad.
Berta’s strategy is clear: build for sustained success by blending youth and experience. With Arsenal poised to ‘move quickly’ if Yildiz’s Juve talks falter, this double Serie A raid could be the catalyst for more silverware at the Emirates. Fans will be watching eagerly as negotiations heat up – could this be the start of another transformative summer for the North London giants?
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.