Transfer Talk: Juve plan move for Partey if Pogba receives ban

Juventus are reportedly lining up a move for Thomas Partey.

The Bianconeri have identified the 30-year-old Arsenal midfielder as their main target to replace Paul Pogba if the Frenchman receives a lengthy ban for failing a drugs test.

World Cup winner Pogba has been provisionally suspended from playing after elevated levels of testosterone were found in his system last month following Juve's 3-0 win over Udinese — and he faces the threat of a four-year ban.

According to La Repubblica, the Old Lady are already in the process of identifying replacements, with Partey on the Turin-based outfit's radar for some time.

Arsenal are reluctant to offload the Ghana international unless the right offer arrives, despite the acquisition of Declan Rice in the summer.

Partey is currently in the process of recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained in training before the Gunners' 3-1 victory over Manchester United.

He has struggled with fitness issues during his three years at the Emirates, although not to the same degree as Pogba since his return to Juve in July 2022.

The former Manchester United ace has played just 52 minutes of football this season and featured in only 10 games across all competitions last term.

In other news

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are optimistic club captain Martin Odegaard will sign a new deal.

Chelsea are keen on Brentford striker Ivan Toney, say Football London, with the striker able to return to training this weekend despite being banned until January 17 for breaching betting rules.

The Mirror report Besiktas are looking to sign Manchester United starlet Hannibal Mejbri on loan before the Turkish transfer window slams shut on Friday.