Arsenal and Leeds are both keen to sign Weston McKennie from Juventus – now, there has been a significant update.
What’s the story?
Well, it was La Repubblica who revealed that Arsenal had submitted a £27m bid for the United States international as Mikel Arteta aims to add depth to his midfield.
Elsewhere, the reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Leeds are interested.
Now, Massimiliano Allegri – Manager of Juventus – has made a bold claim, as he admits McKennie will not be available for Sunday’s clash with Monza in Serie A.
The 55-year-old said: “McKennie will not be available tomorrow because he is at the centre of a negotiation. I think the club has already found an agreement with his new team.”
Juventus have found themselves needing to offload some players after being docked 15 points following an investigation into their financial affairs – as detailed by the BBC.
Now, it seems McKennie – who Juventus signed from Schalke 04 for £16m – is set to be one of the first to depart the Allianz Stadium as a result.
Arsenal set to miss out on McKennie to Leeds
Despite rumours of a £27m bid from Arsenal, it seems McKennie is heading to Leeds on loan.
In the wake of Allegri’s revelation, Romano took to Twitter to state that the American will now head to Yorkshire within the next 24 hours to undergo a medical.
Leeds have agreed to pay a €1.2m (£1m) loan fee for McKennie, as well as an option to buy him on a permanent basis for €33m (£29m) if he does well at Elland Road.
Perhaps this is why Arsenal submitted a £60m bid for Moises Caicedo on Friday – according to The Athletic – as the Gunners seemingly move on to alternatives.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Leeds should soon make an official announcement.
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