Juventus have reportedly made an enquiry to Arsenal over the availability of midfielder Thomas Partey, who is keen on joining the Serie A giants over Saudi Arabian interest this summer.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Juventus have contacted Arsenal over a potential deal for midfielder Thomas Partey, who has given the green light to the transfer amid strong Saudi Arabian transfer links.
The Ghana international joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid three years ago for €50 million and played a big role for Arsenal last season, as the Gunners pushed eventual Premier League champions Manchester City until the final weeks of the campaign.
However, the 30-year-old could be allowed to leave this summer given that he only has two years left on his contract, coupled with the ongoing concerns surrounding his fitness and durability.
As such, several Pro League clubs in Saudi Arabia are understood to be interested in the experienced midfielder’s services and are prepared to pay as much as €40 million for his services.
However, the latest update is that the 30-year-old is reluctant to move to the Middle East and favours a move to Serie A side Juventus, who have asked for information from Arsenal as they ponder a move for the midfielder.
Understand Thomas Partey considers Juventus as priority, he hopes to stay in Europe — talks will follow as there’s still no official proposal. 🚨⚫️⚪️ #Juventus
Arsenal are prepared to let Thomas go but important proposal will be needed after Saudi approaches. pic.twitter.com/SCuC4aVlB4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2023
According to reports in Italy, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri has made Partey a top midfield target, despite hoping to tie Adrien Rabiot down to a new contract.
Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed the former Atletico Madrid midfielder has given his approval over a move to Juventus and that a deal could materialise for a figure between €18 and €20 million, which is a very good fee from a Juventus point of view.
Mikel Arteta needs vital funds from sales as he looks to freshen up his engine room with young talent, with Granit Xhaka also expected to leave. A deal to sign Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, who can operate all across the frontline and in midfield, is close to being finalised, while West Ham’s Declan Rice remains the Gunners’ priority summer target.
However, Arsenal are now facing intense competition from treble winners Manchester City for Rice’s signature after having two bids turned down by the Hammers. Should Arsenal’s director of football Edu fail to land the England international, they may decide to reject any interest in Partey, who is certain to fall out of favour if the £90 million West Ham skipper arrives in north London.
Without Rice, Arsenal would be insane to allow the Ghanaian international to depart, even though Arteta also has Jorginho at his disposal. The Gunners are also continuing to monitor other midfield targets, including Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo as cover should Manchester City swoop in for Rice.
