Arsenal target the ‘French Steven Gerrard’

Carlo Garganese
Carlo Garganese
  • Updated: 16 Oct 2025 12:00 BST
  • 4 min read
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Arsenal are targeting Juventus midfield star Khephren Thuram but the Bianconeri consider him untouchable.

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TBR Football reports that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of the France international.

Current ETV
Player image Khéphren Thuram
Khéphren Thuram

M, DM (C)

Juventus logo

Juventus

Khéphren Thuram
Khéphren Thuram

M, DM (C)

Juventus

Juventus

€40.8M

ETV Range

€36.7M - €44.9M

Arsenal have made enquiries to Juventus over the past few months but have been told that Juventus consider the player untouchable.

The report adds that Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham also like the player but that Juventus want to build their future around Thuram and attacker Kenan Yildiz.

Thuram compared to Steven Gerrard

Thuram joined Juventus from Nice in the summer of 2024 for €20 million.

He has since developed into not only Juventus' best midfielder but one of the best in Serie A.

A powerful and complete central midfielder, the 24-year old has made 58 appearances for Juve and scored six goals.

He is the son of France legend Lilian and the brother of Inter Milan attacker Marcus.

Khephren has broken into the France squad and has made three appearances for his country.

Khephren Thuram, Juventus
© IMAGO - Khephren Thuram, Juventus

Former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant says that Thuram reminds him of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

“There is talk of getting Khephren Thuram from Nice. If that happens, it would be an amazing signing. Apparently, talks are advanced," Pennant said.

“He’s like a box-to-box midfielder. He scores goals. And he can go past players. He can have the ball at his feet, be able to go past players and then score goals. This is what this guy can do.

“I am not going to put him to a Steven Gerrard because he was one of his own but, if I can say it, of that mould. He is one of those players. Back to the goal, he can skip a player. He’s technically gifted. Amazing. Great athlete, strong and quick. And also got an eye for assists and goals.

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