Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey met Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli in recent days to discuss a potential transfer to the Serie A giants in the January window.
That is according to Santi Aouna, who reports for Foot Mercato that Giuntoli flew to London to meet Partey. The Bianconeri chief wanted to hold direct talks with the 30-year-old over a move to Turin this winter. Juventus are intent on hiring him on loan in the upcoming market.
Juventus have identified Partey as a player who can help Massimiliano Allegri make the Old Lady dominant once again. They particularly feel their manager needs new midfielders who can add superior grit to his current options. So, a move to loan Partey from Arsenal appeals.
Juventus meet Partey to discuss his transfer from Arsenal
Giuntoli is leading Juventus’ efforts to convince Partey to leave Arsenal for the Serie A side in January. They believe he can have an instant impact in a season they sit second in the Italian top-flight standings. Juventus will then revisit their targets for permanent deals this summer.
A swoop to hire Partey on loan would appeal the most for now and Giuntoli senses a chance due to his limited minutes. Mikel Arteta has only fielded the midfielder for 251 minutes over four Premier League appearances. Partey further earned three of his outings as a right-back.
Arteta started this term by using Partey as a makeshift full-back before he suffered an injury against Fulham this August. The 45-cap Ghana midfielder returned to fitness in October. But he only played the final 15 minutes against Manchester City before suffering another injury.
Juventus have met Arsenal for talks over a loan deal already
Partey will miss the rest of this year after undergoing a small procedure on a thigh injury he developed in training at London Colney. It might prove to be his last outing for the Gunners, too. Arsenal are now open to offers for Partey’s transfer during January, per football.london.
The Emirates Stadium side considering a loan deal for Arteta’s £45.5m signing from Atletico Madrid might be doubtful, though. Partey – who his former Malaga manager Jose Luis Oltra called a ‘physical marvel’ – would return to north London with one year left on his contract.
Juventus also likely already know that Arsenal might be inclined to refuse a loan transfer for Partey in January. Gianluca Di Marzio reported earlier in November that the Bianconeri met the Gunners for talks over his future. He is one of several Premier League options for them.
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