Transfer Centre

Manchester United, Arsenal to battle for Juventus' Weston McKennie?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 15 March 2024

Man United, Arsenal to battle for Weston McKennie?

Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly plan to battle for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, whose contract with the Old Lady expires in 2025.

Manchester United and Arsenal could reportedly lock horns for the signature of rejuvenated Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The USA international failed to make his mark during a loan spell with Leeds United in the second half of last season, setting up just one goal in 20 matches as the Whites dropped down to the Championship.

McKennie subsequently returned to the Old Lady, where his powers had waned since a strong start to life in Turin, but he has shone in Massimiliano Allegri's engine room since departing Elland Road.

While the 25-year-old has not managed to find the back of the net this season, he has registered nine assists from 27 games in all tournaments, setting up seven goals in 26 Serie A matches.

With Nicolo Fagioli and Paul Pogba serving lengthy bans due to illegal betting and doping respectively, McKennie has taken his chance in the middle of the park and claimed the assists for both of his side's strikes in their 2-2 draw with Atalanta BC last weekend.

Juventus' Weston McKennie pictured during the warm up before the match on January 4, 2023 © Reuters

Despite his recent upturn in form, the former Schalke starlet is now in the final 18 months of his contract with Juventus, who could therefore be forced into a summer sale before he departs on a free in 2025.

The Bianconeri are believed to be keen to extend McKennie's deal, but according to GIVEMESPORT, the American is now being lined up for a return to the Premier League with either Man United or Arsenal.

The report adds that there are still serious doubts about McKennie's long-term future in Italy, where he has amassed 13 goals and 14 assists in 123 games for Juventus, winning one Coppa Italia and one Supercoppa Italiana.

Should Juve fail to tie him down to a new deal, a fee of £15m may be enough to prise the USA international away from Turin, where he arrived on loan in 2020 before making his move permanent for £18.3m a year later.

As well as Man United and Arsenal, Fulham and Aston Villa are also rumoured to be casting a watchful eye over the situation, and McKennie still believes that he can make a name for himself in the Premier League.

Leeds United's Weston McKennie in action with Manchester United's Fred on February 12, 2023 © Reuters

However, the Juventus man is supposedly not Arsenal or Man United's first choice for midfield reinforcements, as both clubs are pressing ahead with a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.

The Spaniard would likely be a far more expensive acquisition, though, as he is believed to possess a £51.2m release clause in his contract with the La Liga side, which runs until 2027.

Man United stand to lose Fiorentina loanee Sofyan Amrabat at the end of the season, while Donny van de Beek, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen could also be moved on as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's clearout.

Meanwhile, Arsenal duo Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho are both out of contract in the summer, although the Gunners can trigger a one-year extension in the latter's deal and are said to be preparing talks over fresh terms entirely.

While Jorginho might be kept around, Arsenal are expected to entertain bids for the injury-riddled Thomas Partey, whose terms run until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.