Transfer: Chelsea leads the race to sign Kenan Yildiz

TEAMtalk reports that Chelsea are leading the race to sign Kenan Yildiz from Juventus, beating Real Madrid and Arsenal to the punch. The 20-year-old has scored three goals and provided four assists in 12 games this season, and the fee is rumoured to be close to £80 million. Chelsea had previously made a bid of around £61.6 million in the summer.

Context: Maresca wants to upgrade the attack after the 4-3 match

Chelsea just beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 in the English League Cup, a dramatic chase but coach Enzo Maresca admitted that the team has many areas to improve. Despite adding a lot of attacking personnel in the summer transfer window, The Blues are still looking for more options to increase depth and quality in the front line.

Yildiz in Chelsea's plans

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea consider Kenan Yildiz as their top target in the next transfer window. The name is described as "one of Juventus' brightest talents" has impressed with 3 goals and 4 assists in 12 matches this season. Chelsea are said to be ready to make "an attractive proposal", after having sent scouts to watch many Juventus matches to evaluate Yildiz.

Juventus want to keep hold of their star man and are looking to extend his contract. However, if a new deal is not reached, the scenario opens up for Chelsea—who have made an early move with a £61.6m offer that is rumoured to be closer to £80m.

Collaboration with Cole Palmer

Chelsea reportedly want Yildiz to partner Cole Palmer—the Stamford Bridge standout. The aim is to add creativity, connection and variety to their attack, which would help the Blues compete better in the Premier League and Europe.

Race and barriers

Real Madrid and Arsenal are also interested in Yildiz, but Chelsea are said to be in the best position at the moment. The biggest obstacle is Juventus' stance—the club wants to extend the 20-year-old's contract. The exit door will only really open if progress on the extension fails.

Challenge for a starting spot at Stamford Bridge

If he joins Chelsea, Yildiz is warned that he will have to compete fiercely for a starting position. The source said that coach Enzo Maresca has many bright faces in attack such as Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens or Tyrique George. That means, unlike his position at Juventus, Yildiz is not guaranteed a star role but must assert himself match by match.

Potential Impact

If completed, this would be a strategic deal for Chelsea—both showing initiative in the market and adding a young, effective attacking player. On the other hand, Juventus will have to carefully calculate between the sporting plan and the financial offer described as attractive by the English team.

At this point, the decision lies with Juventus and the progress of Yildiz's contract negotiations. Chelsea, according to TEAMtalk, are ready to move on if the opportunity arises.