Is Juventus’ talented Turkish superstar Kenan Yıldız set for a move in January?

So, what exactly has reportedly caught the attention of Real Madrid club president Florentino Pérez, manager Xabi Alonso, and everyone else associated with the club?

One of the most-followed player in European football

Kenan Yıldız has registered nine attacking contributions in 16 Serie A matches (G6, A4), along with three more (G1, A2) in the 2025/26 Champions League phase. His goal contribution is an impressive 43% across the top-flight of Italian football this season. 

That might explain why not just Real, but also why Arsenal want Juventus forward Yildiz, as soon as the January transfer, if the money down on the negotiating table is right.

A full-fledged Turkish international at such a young age, he has already made more appearances (26) than his current age, 20.

Nearly an ever-present in Juventus’ 16 Serie A matches, only missing the match against Cremonese due to injury, his current employers don’t look like they are willing to let Yildiz leave, just yet. That makes a January transfer window move unlikely unless the money is thrown down on the negotiating table.

Yıldız’s expert ability to use both of his feet means he isn’t limited to occupying one wing, which makes his long list of potential suitors all the more believable.

He was remarkably signed on a free transfer from Bayern Under 19s in July 2022, and certainly has become a fans’ favourite over the previous three-and-a-half years.

A move this month look less likely, considering the ultra-talented Turkish winger is also under contract at the Allianz Stadium until June 2029.

Could the scintillating Spanish sun tempt Yildiz?

He also only signed an extension to his current deal in August 2024. His next possible destination could be Real Madrid, who appear to be on a recruiting drive for the next generation of talent.

So, just like Los Blancos’ recent reports to Min-hyeok Yang, Gilberto Mora, and Branimir Mlačić, Yıldız fits into exactly that same age-related mold.

Or could London be Yıldız’s chosen destination as soon as this month? However, if take a look at Arsenal’s ridiculously in-depth attacking substitutes’ bench for their 4-1 win over Aston Villa.

Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze, and Kai Havertz were all sitting alongside each other, with Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, and Leandro Trossard starting for Mikel Arteta’s side.

That’s certainly a plethora of competition for Yıldız to compete with if he decides to move to the English capital.

Pre-match comments from the Allianz Stadium

While January is arguably known as the time that teams bring in reinforcements for the remainder of their respective seasons, such a high-profile move might be likelier in the summer.

For the time being, Yıldız is preparing alongside his Juventus teammates for their home Serie A encounter against struggling Lecce on Saturday.