Arsenal learn dream winger is 'affecting' his team - in an unfortunate way

Arsenal have discovered the absence of Kenan Yildiz has had a major impact on Juventus’ sluggish start to the season.

Turkey star Yildiz, who the Gunners attempted to sign in the summer transfer window, is currently sidelined with a broken foot.

And Italian heavyweights Juventus are struggling without his star quality in the final third, with Luciano Spalletti’s side currently eighth in Serie A.

The Bianconeri have won just one of their last five league games, losing to Sassuolo and Atalanta and drawing with AC Milan and Cagliari.

Juventus, whose last league win came against Atalanta on 20 September, have kept just three clean sheets in the Italian top flight this season.

And Gazzetta dello Sport writer Filippo Cornacchia believes Yildiz and midfielder Manuel Locatelli have been sorely missed in that worrying run.

He writes: “Manuel Locatelli arrived in Turin during the (Maurizio) Arrivabene and (Federico) Cherubini era [as CEOs of Juventus].

“Initially sidelined (partly due to former manager Massimiliano Allegri, who preferred Leandro Paredes), he has since become a central figure and captain under a different sporting and technical leadership.

“Indeed, Luciano Spalletti is currently feeling the impact of Locatelli’s injury, as well as that of Yildiz - the squad’s best player and another legacy of the Cherubini era.”

While Juventus have endured a difficult start in Serie A, Spalletti’s men have enjoyed better fortunes in the Europa League this season.

They return to action against Rennes on Thursday having already beaten NEC Nijmegen and Celta Vigo in European competition this term.

Arsenal made enquiry for Yildiz in the summer

Arsenal meanwhile have enjoyed a strong start to the season despite missing out on signing Yildiz in the summer transfer window.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won 10 of their 11 games across the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup and Community Shield.

The north London club tried to capitalise on their Premier League title success last season by making a marquee addition to their forward line in the summer.

Arsenal pursued ambitious deals for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid but were unable to acquire either player.

The Athletic understands Arsenal also made an enquiry for Juventus winger Yildiz but were told he was not for sale at any price.

Arteta’s men return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Bayern Munich in a mouth-watering Champions League tie at the Allianz Arena.