Manchester United have been urged to make an audacious swoop for Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target Kenan Yildiz as a long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes.
Yildiz further established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Italy last term, after which he was named in the Serie A Team of the Season.
Playing in a more central role this season, the 20-year-old has picked up where he left off, racking up eight goals and eight assists in 27 appearances in all competitions for Juventus this campaign.
Yildiz remains under contract at Juventus until 2029, but the Italian club are keen to tie the midfielder down to an extention on improved terms amid growing interest from Europe’s top clubs.
Only last month, reports emerged from Italy suggesting that Arsenal and Chelsea were both interested in the Turkish international, while Liverpool and Real Madrid were also said to be monitoring the 20-year-old.
But former United striker Giuseppe Rossi said that the Red Devils should also be among the clubs looking to secure a deal for Yildiz, who Juventus value at around €100m (£87m).
‘Could Kenan Yildiz be a star in the Premier League? I’d take him at United,’ Rossi told OLBG.
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‘I think he’s a hungry young player. He has very many great qualities not only technically but also his character too.
‘He is somebody who’s not afraid of the big moments. I think he’s built for big moments a club like Manchester United should be able to give him.’
Rossi also suggested that Yildiz could be the perfect replacement for Fernandes, who has once again been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia at the end of this season.
‘Is he the perfect successor to Bruno Fernandes? I think that’s a great shout,’ Rossi added.
‘Yildiz is a player made for those moments that Bruno is the master of. He always wants to take on the player in front of him and he’s not scared to try and make something happen.
‘He tries to be the best player on the field in every single game using all his talents, not only for himself but for the team.
‘I think that’s a very important characteristic that many players should learn from and if he does end up at United, I’ll be very happy.’
While a deal for Yildiz might have to wait until the summer, United are reportedly open to strengthening their squad in the last week of the January transfer window.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for former Wolves central midfielder Ruben Neves, while other reports suggest that AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been offered to United.
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