Manchester City and Manchester United are serious about forking out €80 million (US$90.8m) on Juve’s prized possession, despite the Bianconeri recently issuing a hands off message to potential suitors.
The German-born Turkish ace, who turns 20 next month, was hyped up by super agent Jorge Mendes after the Portuguese 59-year-old met for dinner with Yildiz’s parents in January.
Attacker Yildiz, who has broken records this season after becoming a favorite under Thiago Motta, is an avid Juve fan with his hero the club’s legendary striker Alessandro Del Piero.
Since Igor Tudor took over as interim head coach, the ex-Juve defender has helped Yildiz get his groove back following some indifferent performances at the start of this year.
Zola praise
Improved displays from the tenacious teenager, who excels on the left flank for Turkey, even earned the praise of former Italy international Gianfranco Zola.
Both Yildiz and Juventus perceive him to follow in the footsteps of Del Piero and become a long-term icon at the Turin titans.
With Champions League not guaranteed next term, especially following the 1-0 midweek upset at relegation-threatened Parma, the youngster could be coaxed by Chelsea and Manchester City if they net a place in the top continental competition.
Manchester United, whose interest in Yildiz’s team-mate Dusan Vlahovic has cooled, need to win the Europa League to earn a Champions League berth to attract the hot-shot.
Chelsea, who were also previously monitoring Vlahovic, have turned their attention to Yildiz. He joined Juventus from Bayern Munich in 2022 and was fast-tracked to the senior side, where this season he has made an impact.
Summer revamp
Both Chelsea and United view Yildiz as a pivotal player in their rebuilding plans this summer. Italian media outlets have reported that Chelsea have kicked off discussions at club level with Juventus.
Juventus have no intention of selling the player, who is under contract until June 2027. The club are eager to tie him down, and could offer him a substantial salary increase to sweeten Yildiz.
Yet with revenue from the Champions League, and no bids tabled from European clubs for Vlahovic, Juventus may not be able to resist a substantial offer from any of these three English giants.
Vlahovic, who turned down a winter transfer move to the Saudi Pro League and the Turkish Supa Lig, has been approached by Istanbul-based Fenerbahce this week. However, the Serbia striker has demanded a significant signing bonus and an annual salary of €20m (US$22.7m).