Arsenal could let a player that Mikel Arteta deemed "super important" leave the club, with talks over a surprise exit having begun.
The Gunners have brought in £200 million worth of talent in the form of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber but outgoings have been a little more scant. Granit Xhaka has been the major departure for around £20m, with fringe defender Auston Trusty following him out the door in recent days, signing for recently-promoted Sheffield United.
Arteta has claimed that "things will move" in the final weeks of the window, suggesting that more exits are likely – but one surprise exit could end up dividing the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta is interviewed before the Arsenal training session at George Mason University on July 17, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta told Sky that exits were inevitable before the window closes
According to Sky Sports in Italy, Juventus have begun talks over a move for Thomas Partey. Partey was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia earlier in the window and lost his place in the side last season – before Arsenal smashed their transfer record for Rice, who is likely to play as the No.6 this season.
But the move would still come as a surprise, given that Arteta has claimed in the last few weeks that the Ghanaian is a key member of his squad and someone that he would like to keep around, telling Sky Sports that, "Without a question of a doubt, Thomas Partey is a super important player for us and for me."
Why Jurrien Timber Is A Perfect Fit For Arsenal
It would seem as though Juventus may have to raise funds to actually complete a deal. Weston McKennie, on loan at Leeds United last term, may have to leave Turin once more, while reports from the Evening Standard say that Dusan Vlahovic is a target for Chelsea.
Arsenal signed Partey for around £45m and are unlikely to accept less than £35m for a player that they are content going into the start of the season with.
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