Juventus are reportedly eyeing a January move for Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, with Weston McKennie on offer as leverage in a swap deal.
According to CalcioMercatoWeb via TuttoJuve, Massimiliano Allegri is keen to sign a midfielder this January. And as per the report, Xhaka is ‘a welcome name’ in Turin. The 29-year-old Arsenal star signing a new contract during the summer.
However, that doesn’t rule out a potential move from north London. Xhaka was in talks to sign for AS Roma for the majority of the summer. However, the Italian club and Arsenal couldn’t reach an agreement over the transfer fee.
Indeed, whilst Xhaka did sign a new deal shortly after a move to Roma collapsed, both the player and Mikel Arteta could be open to a move this January if Juventus are keen.
Moreover, McKennie would make for an excellent alternative to a straight transfer fee.
The American international was one of Juve’s best players last season under Andrea Pirlo. However, Allegri is not keen on the 23-year-old midfielder, with the Italian coach open to selling the former Schalke 04 star this summer.
As reported by CalcioMercato, Juventus valued the dynamic midfielder at €35m (£30m), with Tottenham and Aston Villa two sides who were keen on McKennie.
With Arsenal signing players below the age of 24 this summer, McKennie fits the profile of what Arteta and Edu Gaspar are looking for going forward. And his experience both in the UEFA Champions League and internationally for the US will be welcome in north London.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
