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Spalletti fires warning at Arsenal over plans for Juventus star Yildiz

·By Paul Lindisfarne
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Spalletti fires warning at Arsenal over plans for Juventus star Yildiz

Juventus/X.com

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has dismissed fresh Arsenal interest in Kenan Yildiz, insisting the Turkey international is going nowhere this summer.

The Premier League champions revived their pursuit of the 21-year-old this week, with reports suggesting Juventus would demand around £60 million to sanction a sale.

Spalletti, however, made clear the fee was irrelevant to his thinking.

"I am completely relaxed, because dealing with Yildiz is easy for me," the Italian said, according to Sky. "They can offer whatever they want, I want Yildiz here and will always put him on the pitch.

"He's a perfect lad to talk to, he's mature and knows he doesn't need to rush anything."

Spalletti argued that the player's importance to Juventus had nothing to do with the level of outside interest, including from Arsenal.

"His future is already important by staying at Juventus, not because there are other clubs willing to spend €100 million for him. We are all convinced we can show Kenan's total potential, and he's a potential phenomenon of football."

Yildiz previously found himself linked with a move to Arsenal, among other clubs, but signed a contract extension with Juventus running to the summer of 2030, a deal that leaves the Turin club in a strong negotiating position regardless of any offers that arrive before the window closes.

Juventus finished sixth in Serie A last season, missing out on Champions League qualification, and Spalletti's comments underline the club's determination to build around Yildiz as they look to return to form under his management.