Juventus are plotting an ambitious transfer swoop for Arsenal star Thomas Partey this summer, according to reports. The Italian outfit are keen on securing the Ghana international's signature and are open to sending Arthur Melo to the Emirates Stadium as part of a player plus cash deal.
The Gunners held an interest in the Brazilian midfielder previously and could now be given the chance to sign Arthur this summer. The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Liverpool, but injuries hampered his time at Anfield as he ended the campaign without a senior appearance for the Reds.
Partey could be sold by Arsenal this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to revamp his midfield options ahead of next season. football.london understands Granit Xhaka is on the verge of completing a £13 million switch to Bayer Leverkusen.
The Swiss midfielder is expected to be granted permission to leave once the Gunners sign a replacement. That replacement could be West Ham captain Declan Rice with Arsenal now pushing to finalise a £105m deal for the England international.
The North London outfit have seen two bids for Rice already rejected by the Hammers, but are now expected to complete a deal as they finalise the details with West Ham after submitting an improved third proposal. Rice had been identified as Arsenal's priority target going into the window and Mikel Arteta will be desperate to land his man - in a deal that would eclipse the Gunners' previous club record £72m signing of Nicolas Pepe.
Arsenal have also been linked with moves for Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Gabri Veiga this summer. As Arteta continues to put plans in motion to freshen up his squad ahead of a return to Champions League action next term, Partey could be one player that departs the club.
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The 30-year-old was a key figure for the Gunners as they challenged for the Premier League title last season, but his drop in form towards the end of the campaign sparked concerns. Juve are eager to close an agreement for Partey, but hope to keep down the cash component by including Arthur in their 'swap deal', according to The Sun.
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