Juventus have turned their attention to Arsenal as Massimiliano Allegri looks to strengthen his midfield, with the Serie A giants signalling their interest in a transfer for Thomas Partey.
That’s according to Tuttosport, who report Partey is emerging as one of two prime targets for the Turin outfit. Bianconeri chiefs also highly appreciate LOSC Lille star Renato Sanches, having monitored the Portuguese dynamo since he left Benfica for Bayern Munich in 2016.
Likewise, Partey has sat prominently on shortlists at the Allianz Stadium in recent seasons after captivating the Old Lady. The Ghanaian anchor left an impression with his displays in Champions League meetings with Atletico Madrid in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns.
A move to Juventus could have been in Partey’s future before Arsenal secured his transfer from Atletico Madrid in 2020. Technical director Edu paid a €50m (£45m) release clause in the 28-year-old’s Wanda Metropolitano deal. But they are yet to get real value for money.
Even Partey told Sky Sports in December he would only grade his Emirates Stadium career so far at four out of 10. Yet a strong run through February saw the 34-cap powerhouse win the Gunners’ player of the month award. He took 49% of votes ahead of Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal willing to take a 20% hit as Juventus signal interest in Partey transfer
Mikel Arteta has kept faith in Partey throughout the midfielder’s time in north London with 20 Premier League appearances this term. The club are also not under pressure to sell their £200k-a/w top-earner, per Spotrac. His lucrative contract runs until the summer of 2025.
But Juventus could look to test Arsenal’s resolve this summer, as club chiefs have signalled their interest in Partey’s transfer. However, the Gunners’ valuation may prove discouraging as while they are willing to take a 20% hit, will accept no less than €40m (£33.5m) to sell.
Albert Sambi Lokonga rising to greater prominence at the Emirates may help the Bianconeri seal Partey’s signature. The Athletic report coaches at Arsenal feel the Belgian is a better fit than the Ghanaian for the defensive role in Arteta’s favoured engine room going forward.
Partey is playing a predominantly defensive role in north London less and less each week as he pushes forward. But Manchester United icon Paul Scholes praised his box-to-box skills after a month in England, having stood out during Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford in 2020.
“He’s an all-round midfielder,” Scholes claimed, via the Metro. “You don’t see many players like that these days. A midfield players’ job is to do everything. You have to contribute with everything and today he did a brilliant job in all departments.”
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