Arsenal in talks for USMNT and Juventus midfielder

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By Martin Graham | 26th Jan 2023

Reports from Italy and England indicate that Arsenal have submitted an enquiry for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

Arsenal are currently in desperate need of a midfielder to strengthen their squad and have made a few enquiries to this effect. Valencia’s Yunus Musah, Palmeiras’ Danilo and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga are names that have popped up on the rumour mill in recent weeks as links to Arsenal.

McKennie is the latest name on that list according to Gazzetta dello Sport. He will become their second signing from the Serie A if the move happens in the ongoing January transfer window, following the signing of Jakub Kiwior from Spezia.

He will also be their third signing for the window, with Leandro Trossard having already made his debut in their win against Manchester United on Sunday.

McKennie is in his third season with the Italian giants and has been a staple for Juventus in the past two seasons, being deployed in several positions for the Old Lady. Naturally a box-to-box midfielder, he fits the profile Arsenal are currently looking for.

Juventus do not want to let go of the 24-year-old but have a need for new wingers and a financial situation that will not allow them to spend to strengthen the squad.

They were recently docked 15 points in the league for manipulation of their finances, which sent them all the way down to 11th in the Serie A for the 2022/23 season. A sale is needed if they will be able to keep up with their responsibility and strengthen the squad.

For this reason, it is reported that they could listen to good offers for the USMNT midfielder as well as other players in their squad who have been on the transfer wishlist of other clubs. McKennie, on the other hand, is only willing to leave Juventus if a big club comes calling.

Arsenal’s form this season has seen them regain that big club status and it could be tempting for the US midfielder, who Juventus value at between €20 and €25 million, Arsenal’s sweet spot for transfers.

Time could be running out for Arsenal, however, because the reports also indicate that Borussia Dortmund are interested in the former Schalke 04 midfielder.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will turn their attention to Manchester City in the FA Cup as they play for a chance to extend their record in football’s oldest competition. It will also serve as a preview to their first Premier League clash of the season in mid-February.