Our View: Tottenham want £34m-rated midfielder, but do Arsenal need him more?

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Weston McKennie is reportedly on the firing list at Juventus ahead of the January window with the Old Lady willing to listen to offers – Tottenham are said to be interested, but do North London rivals Arsenal need the American more?

McKennie, 24, has been a regular in the Juventus side ever since joining the club from Schalke. Initially on loan 2020, he has gone on to play 88 times in all competitions. In that time, has scored 11 goals, and laid on four assists for Juventus.

But after it was Fabio Paratici that signed him for Juve, the Italian transfer chief has moved to Spurs. That interest and like of the USA international has remained. Reports in the summer claimed Juventus want £34million for McKennie.

Now, CM say Juventus are willing to listen to offers for their midfielder after the World Cup. McKennie will play against England in Qatar, and Tottenham are said to remain interested. But do they need a midfielder as much as Arsenal do?

Tottenham interested but do Arsenal need McKennie more?

Antonio Conte likes defensive-minded midfielders with a good engine and McKennie is certainly that. But he already has Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. They are fighting for two positions.

Of course, if Conte decides to start playing three – Bissouma sitting behind Bentancur and Hojbjerg, then more cover is required. It worked well against Everton on Saturday night, when Richarlison was forced off with injury during the win.

But the need is not great. While across North London at The Emirates, the need for another holding midfielder is large. Mo Elneny is hardly the standard required, while Albert Sambi Lokonga has flattered to deceive so far.

In the starting line-up, Arsenal boast an injury-prone Thomas Partey – while Granit Xhaka is being used further forward. So, if Tottenham want McKennie, Arsenal need the American more. He would fit Arsenal’s transfer blueprint, too.

Between 20 and 25, but widely experienced – already playing 213 times for club and country at senior level. For little over £30million, he would be a wonderful signing for Arsenal and a much-needed one – especially, beating Spurs.