Top Arsenal star says yes to Euro giant, with separate Man Utd swoop to help seal the deal
A regular Arsenal starter has ‘given the go-ahead’ to joining Juventus and the likely transfer fee has been revealed, though the move hinges on Man Utd or Newcastle signing a Juve star first, per reports.
Despite being a guaranteed starter when fit and among Arsenal’s top performers last season, the Gunners are open to selling Thomas Partey this summer.
The Ghana international, 30, will be allowed to leave with Mikel Arteta seeking to freshen up his midfield ranks.
Two new midfielders are wanted, with Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia the players currently in Arsenal’s sights. If signed, Granit Xhaka will join Bayer Leverkusen in a £13m deal, while Partey too will depart.
Both Fabrizio Romano and 90min have reported Partey has offers to move to Saudi Arabia. However, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Partey may well end up at Juventus.
Indeed, Di Marzio reported the Turin club are exploring their options in the event Adrien Rabiot leaves as a free agent this summer.
The France international has rejected Juve’s latest offer to extend his stay, according to FootMercato. The two clubs understood to be vying for his signature are Man Utd and Newcastle.
If Rabiot does end up at Old Trafford or St. James’ Park as a free agent signing, Juve will move for Partey who per Di Marzio, ‘has already given the go-ahead for the transfer to Juventus’.
The Serie A side are reportedly prepared to stump up a transfer fee of around €18m-€20m (approx. £15.5m-£17.2m).
That is a far cry from the €40m Arsenal could generate if selling Partey to a club in the Saudi Pro League, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer guru confirmed Juventus have asked for information on a potential Partey swoop. Juventus hope to steal in before the Saudi clubs, though would only be offering around half of what the middle east clubs are prepared to pay.
As such, common sense would dictate Arsenal would prefer to sell Partey to a Saudi Arabian side. The only slight downside in that regard is the €40m would reportedly come in the form of three instalments and not up front and in full.
Romano echoed the claims Partey’s potential move to Juventus hinges on whether Rabiot stays.
However, if FootMercato’s prior report is correct, Rabiot is destined to leave Juventus and the path will then be cleared for Partey to take his place in Max Allegri’s midfield.
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