Juventus have rejected a bold transfer offer from Chelsea for their prized forward Kenan Yildiz, signaling their intent to keep the young star.
The Premier League heavyweights, fresh off their FIFA Club World Cup triumph, are eager to bolster Enzo Maresca’s squad with more attacking flair.
Despite already signing players like Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro this summer, Chelsea’s appetite for talent remains insatiable, with recent reports suggesting they are also eyeing Paris Saint-Germain’s Xavi Simons. However, their latest move for Yildiz has hit a brick wall.
According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea submitted a formal bid for the 20-year-old Turkish international, but Juventus swiftly turned it down. The offer, described as substantial but not enough to sway the Serie A giants, underscores Yildiz’s importance to the Bianconeri’s future plans.
“Juventus have made it clear Yildiz isn’t for sale,” a source close to the club told JuveFC. “They’ve placed a valuation of around 100 million euros on the forward, but even offers in the region of 70 million euros would be considered insufficient.”
Yildiz, who joined Juventus in 2022 after a decade in Bayern Munich’s youth system, has quickly become a cornerstone for the Italian side. His rapid rise through the ranks—from Juventus Primavera to the first team, has seen him emerge as one of Serie A’s brightest talents.
This season, he has contributed 10 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, earning praise for his versatility and clinical edge.
Juventus manager Igor Tudor has made it clear he sees Yildiz as central to the club’s ambitions. “He gave us energy, it was important for us,” Tudor said of the forward’s impact since his arrival. “I’m happy with this season, but I want to improve in everything.”
The club’s faith in Yildiz is further evidenced by their plans to offer him a new contract. Currently earning 1.2 million euros per season, Yildiz is set to see his wages rise significantly, with reports indicating a deal worth up to 4 million euros per year, potentially extending until 2030.
Chelsea’s interest is not new, they previously had a 60 million euro bid rejected last summer, with Juventus holding firm on their valuation. Other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, have also been linked with the forward, but Yildiz himself has expressed contentment in Turin. “I’m happy at the moment,” he told La Stampa. “I play where the coach wants.”
With the Bianconeri planning to build their future around the Turkish star, it seems Chelsea will need to look elsewhere to satisfy their transfer ambitions.
