Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie should be very wary about a potential move to Premier League leaders Arsenal with Leeds United also pushing for the Serie A enforcer, former USA international Charlie Davies tells the In Soccer We Trust podcast.
The phrase ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ comes to mind.
Even if you were to fly back in time and bring Brazilian legend Socrates with you back to the 21st century, Mikel Arteta would still be reluctant to break up arguably the most balanced and in-form midfield partnership in English football.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey will take some shifting.
And while McKennie looks set to leave Juventus before next week’s transfer deadline, Davies points out that first-team minutes would be harder to come by in North London than in Turin.
Juventus’ Weston McKennie is a target for both Arsenal and Leeds United
“Let’s be realistic. If Arsenal come calling, you are going to a team that is top of the table, that’s absolutely on fire, who have a set midfield,” says the ex-New England Revolution forward.
“And then, on top of that, what’s the future? Because none of those players are past it. They are going to be there for a while.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, McKennie has agreed personal terms with Leeds United ahead of a potential reunion with his fellow USA international Tyler Adams at Elland Road. McKennie and Adams impressed with their energy and industry at the Qatar World Cup – keeping England off the scoresheet in the group-stages – while the addition of Brenden Aaronson could conclude an all-American engine room in West Yorkshire.
Leeds, Romano adds, have already agreed personal terms with the Washington-born McKennie. Juventus are holding out for £31 million, having rejected Leeds’ opening £25 million bid.
This is no time for complacency, however; Mikel Arteta admitting that Arsenal too may be forced into the market for a new midfielder. Mohamed Elneny faces a lengthy lay-off following an injury he picked up in training (The Guardian).
“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 USMNT legend Alexi Lalas.
“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.
“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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