JUVENTUS have met with Arsenal ace Thomas Partey and his representatives ahead of the January transfer window.
Juve have identified Partey as the perfect replacement to fill in for the suspended Paul Pogba, who tested positive for banned substance DHEA which naturally boosts testosterone production.
Pogba also returned a second positive sample and now faces a lengthy ban which could see the end of his career at top level.
The star midfielder will face an anti-doping tribunal, and if found guilty, the 30-year-old could be banned for up to four years.
According to Foot Mercato, Juventus are thinking ahead and that is why they held a meeting with Partey as well as his agents to discuss a potential move in the winter market.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been deprived of the midfielder throughout the season following another string of injuries that have limited him to a mere five appearances across all competitions.
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The Ghana international played a big part in the Gunners’ push for the Premier League title last term but it seems like Arteta is planning for life without him after the arrival of Declan Rice last summer.
However, Partey is not the only player Juventus are looking to sign in the New Year.
The Bianconeri are also looking to complete a deal for Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi and Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski.
And Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri wants club chiefs to move quickly.
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The Serie A giants have also been linked with a shock swoop for Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho.
United appear open to letting Sancho go after his public spat with manager Erik ten Hag in September saw him being axed from the first team.
However, the Red Devils have refused to talk with the Italians about a possible loan deal as Ten Hag’s side prefers to sell the winger outright.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
