Pep Guardiola (Image: Getty)
Manchester City's plans to sign a new striker have hit a snag after Kenan Yildiz reportedly rejected an approach from the Premier League champions.
The Juventus starlet has emerged on City's radar following his breakthrough season in Serie A, with the teenager producing eye-catching performances for the Italian giants.
City have a void to fill in their attack after Julian Alvarez left for Atletico Madrid in a club-record sale, with the Argentine completing his £82million move to Spain last week.
Their transfer coffers have been further boosted by the departure of Liam Delap to Ipswich in a £15million deal, giving Guardiola significant funds to find another attacking player to add to his squad.
The £35million acquisition of Savinho from Troyes remains their only new signing this summer and there is a feeling that City could be short of depth should Erling Haaland suffer another injury similar to his foot problem from last season.
It appears City's recruitment chiefs have identified Yildiz as an exciting talent for the future and club officials have made contact with his representatives, according to HITC.
Kenan Yildiz has emerged as a promising prospect for Juventus and Manchester City are interested (Image: Getty)
However, their advances have been rebuffed by the highly-rated forward, who is keen to stay with the Serie A side and fight for a first-team place.
Yidliz, 19, joined Juve from Bayern Munich in 2022 and broke into the first team under Massimiliano Allegri last season and is set to play a significant role in the Bianconeri's future under new boss Thiago Motta.
The Juventus starlet has also agreed to sign a new long-term contract in Turin after rejecting reported interest from City, with Juventus having “never considered” the idea of selling the talented youngster.
The Turkey international has signed a new contract until the summer of 2029 and looks set to play a bigger role in his season after receiving assurances over his game time.
Kenan Yildiz has signed a new contract with Juventus until 2029 (Image: Getty)
Manchester City have not been the only club interested in making their interest known, with Arsenal and Chelsea also being contacted by intermediaries. But after following through on those initial discussions, City may have to turn their attention to other targets.
Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze has been linked with a big-money move to the Etihad Stadium, with the England international, 26, valued at around £60million by his club.
The eight-time Premier League winners are close to completing the signing of Divin Mubama after his departure from West Ham. But the young forward is set to join their development squad and Guardiola's men could bring in another player before the August 30 transfer deadline.
Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is reportedly on their shortlist, although the Brazilian may be reluctant to leave given his importance to the La Liga giants – even after the capture of Kylian Mbappe.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1937579/Man-City-transfer-news-Kenan-Yildiz-Arsenal-Chelsea