Juventus have apparently accelerated their pursuit of Arsenal's Thomas Partey by holding talks with the midfielder's entourage.
The Ghana international's injury problems have reared their ugly heads once more following a successful 2022-23 season, in which he formed an effective midfield duo with Granit Xhaka.
Partey's domineering engine room displays were crucial in propelling Arsenal back into the Champions League after a six-year absence, but he has played just five times this season.
Since playing the full 90 in the Community Shield against Manchester City and starting each of Arsenal's first three Premier League games in 2023-24 as a right-back, the 30-year-old has only made one substitute outing versus the former in the top flight.
That 15-minute cameo came after Partey had spent a few weeks in the infirmary with a groin injury, and he re-entered the medical bay with yet another thigh issue before last month's Champions League win over Sevilla.
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Updates from the club have been scarce, but Partey is understood to have undergone a procedure on the issue, which is expected to keep the ex-Atletico Madrid man sidelined until 2024.
With Declan Rice, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Mohamed Elneny and Fabio Vieira providing alternative options in midfield, Partey is now being tipped to end his mixed stint in North London, a few months on from snubbing Saudi Arabia and Juve interest over the summer.
The Old Lady were said to have reignited their interest due to Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli's suspensions, although a recent report stated that Juve had moved onto other targets due to Partey's injury concerns.
However, Foot Mercato claims that the Bianconeri are pushing to bring Partey to Turin midway through the season and have now made contact with the Ghana international's representatives.
Arsenal are not in a position to demand an extortionate fee for Partey, who is only under contract in North London until 2025, but Juve's own off-field problems could restrict them to a loan deal over the winter.
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Partey himself is said to have been frustrated with his recent lack of action when fit and could seek an exit from the club in January, while Arsenal are also understood to be willing to cash in.
The Gunners may wish to seal a deal for a replacement before letting Partey depart, though, and they have supposedly reignited their interest in Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves.
A move for Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips has also been mooted, but the England international is thought to be a prime January target for Juventus alongside Partey.
Arsenal's first game back after the international break sees the Gunners take on Brentford on November 25, where Mikel Arteta's side could potentially rise to the top of the table if champions Manchester City and second-placed Liverpool play out a draw earlier in the day.
Ben Knapton
