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Juventus ready to swap midfielder for Arsenal player

By on October 20, 2022

Albert Sambi Lokonga

Juventus are looking to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window and are eyeing one of Arsenal’s midfielders. The Bianconeri are in midtable in Serie A and have a fight on their hands to finish in the top four.

Missing out on Champions League football for next season would have a detrimental effect on the club, and Max Allegri could be given new signings in January to push for the top four.

Arsenal fans are anticipating the team’s upcoming Europa League fixtures. Fans are debating whether the Gunners can qualify for the last 16. Supporters in Africa can learn how to open a bet365 account in Nigeria before wagering on the Gunners’ upcoming Europa League fixtures.

Lokonga to Juve, McKennie to Arsenal

Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga is the player Juventus have earmarked for January. The 22-year-old Belgian midfielder has made six appearances for the Gunners this season in the Premier League. However, Lokonga has compiled fewer than 200 minutes of action for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Juventus are willing to swap midfielder Weston McKennie for Lokonga. The United States international has fallen out of favour in Turin and could be used as part of a deal to bring Lokonga to Juventus. McKennie is 24 years old and a regular for Juventus in Serie A.

The American played nine matches compiling more than 600 minutes of game time for Allegri as of October 19. McKennie also appeared in Juventus’s four opening Champions League group-stage matches, scoring one goal. McKennie should be an important part of the USA’s World Cup squad in Qatar.

Why would Arsenal swap Lokonga for McKennie?

Lokonga is under contract at Arsenal until 2026. However, he doesn’t appear to be in Arteta’s plans. The Belgian, who joined Arsenal in 2021 from Anderlecht, has struggled to break into the first team. He has only appeared in 33 games for Arsenal in all competitions.

McKennie is a proven player in Europe. He broke into professional football with Schalke in the Bundesliga before moving to Juventus in 2021. McKennie is currently linked with several Premier League teams including Liverpool, Leeds United, and Manchester United.

The American has made 88 appearances for Juventus scoring 11 goals and assisting four. McKennie would add European experience to the Gunners and improve the overall quality of the team’s midfield.

Arsenal attempted to strengthen the midfield position at the end of the transfer window. Arteta tried to sign Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz just before the transfer window closed. However, he was unable to add the Brazilian.

Lokonga’s future at Arsenal

Although Lokonga was highly sought-after by Arsenal, he doesn’t appear to have much of a future at the Emirates. Lokonga has had a lack of match time, with other players favoured to play in central areas.

The Belgian played a full 90 minutes just once this season in the league. Since playing 17 minutes in the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur, Lokonga hasn’t made a Premier League appearance.

In comparison, McKennie has appeared in nine of Juventus’s 10 opening Serie A fixtures. He also appeared in the Bianconeri’s initial four Champions League group-stage matches. McKennie is valued at £22.5 million and is under contract until 2025.