Juventus has sent a clear message to Chelsea and other interested parties: Kenan Yildiz is not for sale. The London club tabled a concrete bid reportedly between €65 to €68 million, motivated by the club’s desire to bolster their attacking options under manager Enzo Maresca.

However, according to multiple reports including La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus swiftly rejected the offer, emphasizing that Yildiz is a cornerstone for their future project and ambitions.

This rejection is consistent with Juventus’s earlier responses to similar approaches from clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich earlier in the year, who also faced firm refusals. Juventus’s leadership was clear they would not entertain negotiations that could disrupt their long-term plans or undervalue the emerging talent.

Yildiz’s Rising Profile and Juventus’s Plans

Kenan Yildiz’s ascent has been rapid since joining Juventus from Bayern Munich’s youth academy in 2022. Now 20, the Turkish winger impressed both at the Primavera and Next Gen levels before establishing himself in the first team.

His performances, including standout displays at the FIFA Club World Cup where he contributed goals and assists, have cemented his status as a key player for Juventus and a favorite of head coach Igor Tudor.

Juventus is actively working on a new contract extension for Yildiz, aiming to keep him at the club until 2030. This anticipated deal will include a significant salary increase, pushing his earnings above €4 million annually plus bonuses, positioning him among the club’s top earners. The contract extension reflects Juventus’s commitment to rewarding Yildiz’s development and ensuring he remains a pivotal part of their sporting and commercial strategy.

Chelsea’s Ambitions and the Transfer Market Context

Chelsea’s push to sign Yildiz fits within their broader summer strategy to reinforce an already star-studded squad. Despite having recently signed several forwards—including Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro—and nearing a deal for Xavi Simons, the Blues remain aggressive in pursuit of youthful attacking talent to invigorate their ranks.

Enzo Maresca’s admiration for Yildiz dates back to his playing days and represents an attempt to shape Chelsea’s squad with a mix of promising young players. Yet the hefty bid and the club’s reputation for significant spending were not enough to sway Juventus, who, given Yildiz’s potential and importance, are unwilling to sell regardless of the price.

This transfer saga highlights the high stakes in the modern football market, where clubs fiercely protect their young assets amid intense competition. For Chelsea, the rejection serves both as a challenge and a reminder of Juventus’s determination to retain one of Europe’s brightest young stars.

Meanwhile, Yildiz’s decision to commit his future to Juventus appears to be a boost for Turin, signaling ambition and stability as they look to return to the highest echelons of European football.