Now is the right time for the Leeds United-linked Weston McKennie to leave Juventus, USA legend Alexi Lalas tells Fox Sports while talking up a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
McKennie will not go down as a modern-day legend at the Allianz Stadium, far from it. But during, two and a half years at the Serie A giants, the Washington-born enforcer earned himself cult hero status among some members of the Bianconeri support.
There were iconic goals against Torino and Barcelona. His willingness to play in a multitude of different positions. McKennie is far from the most technical of midfielders but players with his flexibility, physicality and work ethic are almost always in demand, and almost always appreciated.
So when it emerged that Juventus were listening to offers, the suitors came circling like a pack of great white sharks smelling a drop of blood in a vast ocean.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport, North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have expressed an interest. McKennie would not be a guaranteed starter under Mikel Arteta or Antonio Conte. But his remarkable tactical intelligence certainly makes the 24-year-old a smart addition to most squads.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Leeds like want Juventus’ Weston McKennie
“A move to Arsenal, a move to Spurs – I know both of them are different right now – but they are a (step) up. Especially with what Juventus are going through right now,” argues Lalas, highlighting the 15-point deduction slapped down upon the crisis-hit Italians.
“Rumours about Weston McKennie moving are nothing new. I think (the rumours) are more real and based in foundation than at any time in the past. There’s a real chance (Juventus) figure out a way for him to move.
“I think it would be a move that he wants. I think it would be a move that appeals to him. If he goes to Arsenal, they are flying right now. So he’s going to have to fight for his spot. Nothing that he hasn’t done before.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are now in pole position, McKennie accepting their proposal. A move to Elland Road would see the £18 million former Schalke workhorse link up with fellow Americans Jesse Marsch, Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, whom McKennie forged such a formidable partnership with during the Qatar World Cup.
“He’s a player a lot of teams would like. He’s such a good player. I would like to see this happen for Weston, to take that step up,” Lalas adds. “Whether its to Arsenal or to Spurs, something like that, he needs a move at this point. It’s run its course at Juventus.
“If and when it happens, he has been wonderful over there in Italy.”
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