Juve 'want Partey as part of the deal if they are to let Arsenal sign Arthur'

Juventus are reportedly demanding that Arsenal hand over Thomas Partey if they are to accept an offer for midfielder Arthur Melo this January.

The Gunners are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements with just one senior midfielder currently available due to AFCON, Covid and injuries.

Arthur has emerged as their top target and the Brazilian is said to be open to a move.

Reports had claimed that Juve would accept a bid in the region of £35m for the player they signed for £72.5m from Barcelona in 2020.

However, Sky Sports Italy are reporting that they are reluctant to allow him to leave until a replacement is found.

And they want that replacement to be Partey.

It is understood that Arsenal would not be willing to part ways with the Ghanaian so this could be a major stumbling block.

The Gunners have already reached a personal agreement with Arthur, who has spoken to both Arteta and Edu.

He is keen to leave Juventus in order to secure more playing time and boost his chances of making Brazil’s World Cup squad later this year.

The 25-year-old has been on the fringes of Max Allegri’s team this season. He has made little impact since arriving from Barcelona in 2020 in a £72.5m deal.

He is open to a fresh start which he hopes can help him reclaim a place in the Brazil squad before the World Cup.

Sources close to the player are confident a deal can be struck. One said: ‘There’s a very large possibility. Arthur wants to play. He knows Arsenal can give him minutes because the team needs it.’