Arsenal have overtaken Liverpool for 18-year-old wonderkid who’s ‘more talented than Ronaldo’

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Arsenal are now the team most keen on signing reported Liverpool target Kenan Yildiz.

Liverpool were linked with a move for Yildiz over the weekend, with sporting director Jorg Schmadtke reportedly recommending the Juventus youngster to Jurgen Klopp.

However, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport, the Reds are no longer leading the chase for Yildiz. They claim that despite ‘talk’ of Liverpool’s interest, it is in fact Arsenal who are ‘most attentive’ to the 18-yer-old heading into the January transfer window.

Irrespective of any admirers though, it’s claimed that Juve – and manager Max Allegri in particular – do not want to lose Yildiz. However, it’s reported that an offer of something close to £34m could tempt the Old Lady to do business.

No firm offer has reportedly arrived from Arsenal though, and it’s said to be unclear whether the Gunners would be willing to go big on the Turkey international immediately.

Nevertheless, Yildiz himself and his entourage are claimed to be ‘watching closely’ as clubs from England line up. The teenager isn’t yet a regular for Juve, and if that doesn’t change soon, he and his agents could reportedly look to leave Turin.

Gunners take lead in Yildiz chase

Just now, Yildiz and players like him should not be seen as a big priority for Liverpool.

Not only is the youngster a forward – of which the Reds have a stable of top talent – but he’s also a very young one.

Of course, it always pays to invest in potential superstars of the next generation. But closer to home Liverpool already have Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon and even Trent Kone-Doherty coming through.

This is not an area that needs particularly special attention just at the moment.

One man who might disagree with that is Turkey U19 manager Soykan Basar. Speaking to Turkish outlet A Spor via Calciomercato last month, Basar made a lofty comparison about Yildiz.

“Two years ago a lot of big clubs were interested in him,” the coach is reported as saying.

“Yildiz is more talented than Cristiano Ronaldo. His technique with the ball at his feet is superior to that of the Portuguese.”

If that’s true, then perhaps Liverpool should re-evaluate their position on Yildiz. But in the likely event that it isn’t, then we’re fine with letting Arsenal go crazy with this one.