Juventus line up Arsenal star as Pogba replacement after doping scandal
Tom Weber
- Updated: 13 Sept 2023 16:22 BST
- 3 min read
Juventus could rekindle their interest in Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey as it is becoming increasingly likely that they will have to part ways with Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman has been provisionally suspended by Italy's anti-doping watchdog after testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone. If his B sample confirms the initial results, the 30-year-old could face a ban of up to four years, potentially ending his career.
Moreover, it is looking inevitable that Juventus will terminate the midfielder's contract. The Italian giants aren't particularly swimming in cash and getting Pogba off the payroll could reportedly save up to €10 million in annual wages.
READ: The FORTUNE Pogba risks losing after failed doping test
This is an attractive proposition to the Turin club and not just because Pogba's return last year has been nothing short of an unmitigated disaster, with injury restricting him to just a few appearances prior to this doping incident. Shifting Pogba would allow the Bianconeri to go back in for a player they have been eyeing for some time.
Juve to give Partey another go
That man is Thomas Partey, whom Juve already tried to sign in the summer, but talks with Arsenal never progressed, with the Gunners unwilling to let the Ghanaian walk and the Italians unable to match his asking price.
According to La Repubblica (via GFNI), however, Partey is a player Juventus are still keen on despite the 30-year-old himself being injury-prone like Pogba. In fact, his injury struggles have perhaps made Arsenal regret not cashing in on him and they may be tempted to lower their demands in January.
READ: Arsenal and Man City eye SHOCK move for World Cup winner
Personal terms between Partey and Juventus are not expected to be a problem, according to the report, because the two parties already reached an accord during the summer. Even if Arsenal were to be more willing to let Partey leave, striking a deal could still prove difficult given Juventus' financial situation.
