Juventus plot transfer raid on Arsenal to replace Paul Pogba with ex-Man Utd star facing long ban from football

JUVENTUS have plotted a transfer raid on Arsenal's Thomas Partey to replace Paul Pogba who is set to receive a lengthy ban from football.

The French ex-Manchester United star will be serving a long-term suspension after anti-doping officials found traces of testosterone in his system.

The Italian giants are desperate to replace Pogba - especially after Nicolo Fagioli has also been banned for seven months over breaches of betting rules.

Juventus are now down two midfielders for the remainder of the season with Arsenal's Partey being heavily linked with a transfer.

Having played only three games this season, the 30-year-old is frustrated with his poor fitness and limited playing time, according to a .

The report claims the Ghana international is keen on first-team football and Juventus are eyeing up a loan deal for as early as January.

Partey made the move to North London in 2020 for £45million from Atletico Madrid and played an integral role in Mikel Arteta's squad.

He was a vital player for Arsenal in their Premier League title push last season, featuring in 40 matches - but this term his role in the squad has diminished.

The Spanish boss confirmed in the summer that Partey would be playing alongside £105million signing Declan Rice.

He said: "Without a question of a doubt, Thomas Partey is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be in the team.

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"Every time I spoke to him and every time I have a conversation with him, his will is to stay with us. For me, there's nothing there at all.

"They can play together and that was in my plans. You want to improve the squad and have more quality.

"We need players who can play together but we need players in the same position who can fight for their places.

"It's something we haven't had over the last few years and we wanted to improve that and that's why we bought Declan."

But last week Partey picked up an injury during training ahead of Arsenals Champions League clash against Sevilla which will setback his play at the Gunners even further.

Arteta told : "Thomas picked up an injury in training yesterday. We don't know the extent of it. Unfortunately, he's a big miss for us.”

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