Arsenal have reportedly been handed a significant budget by the club to sign a superstar attacker this summer, with Kenan Yildiz and Bradley Barcola both under consideration, though transfer insider Franchise suggests Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are not entirely aligned on which of the two the club should pursue.
According to Franchise, Yildiz is currently the top priority for Arsenal this window, with Barcola also high on the list as a genuine alternative. Funds are understood not to be the obstacle here, given the budget already allocated for a marquee attacking signing.
Yildiz is the top priority for Arsenal this window. Barcola is high on the list as well, a budget was given to Mikel Arteta for a superstar attacker, so funds are not an issue. As I know it, Berta is pushing for Barcola, whilst Mikel Artera preference is Kenan Yildiz. #AFC
— Franchise 🎳 (@franchisexcl) August 18, 2026
Arteta wants Yildiz, Berta prefers Barcola
The most interesting detail in the report is the apparent split in preference within Arsenal’s own hierarchy. Berta is said to be pushing for a move for Barcola, while Arteta’s own preference leans towards Yildiz. It is a reminder that even with a budget in place and genuine interest from the club, internal disagreement over which target to prioritise can shape how a transfer window actually plays out.
Juventus have already ruled out selling Kenan Yildiz
Franchise followed up with further context on the Yildiz situation specifically, revealing that Juventus made it clear around a week ago that they would not entertain a sale of the winger this summer regardless of the price offered. That stance casts real doubt over whether Arsenal’s interest, even with Arteta’s personal preference for Yildiz over Barcola, can realistically turn into anything concrete before the window closes.
Juventus made it very clear about a week ago they would not even entertain a sale for Kenan Yildiz no matter the price, so I’m interested to see if the new link is true, no doubt Arteta loves the winger more then Barcola but I can’t see it this summer.
— Franchise (@franchisexcl) August 18, 2026
There is no doubt Arteta rates Yildiz more highly than Barcola personally, but with Juventus holding such a firm line on his future, a move this summer looks unlikely regardless of how much budget Arsenal have available or how much they want to make it happen.
