Arsenal have joined Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign Juventus star Weston McKennie after sending scouts to watch the American midfielder.
The Gunners are thought to be keen on adding a central midfielder to Mikel Arteta's squad after failing to complete a deal during the summer transfer window. Arsenal had three bids rejected on Deadline Day for Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, who has since signed a new long-term deal that will see him stay at Villa Park until 2027.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, but Lazio have shown no intention of lowering their £60-70million asking price which technical director Edu was reluctant to match. Youri Tielemans remains a possibility for Arsenal but a move in the January transfer window is unlikely to materialise with the Gunners happy to wait until next summer when he becomes available on a free transfer upon expiry of his contract with Leicester, football.london understands.
READ MORE: Jamie Redknapp's harsh assessment of Arsenal star proven wrong amid Edu's key contract decision
According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, multiple Premier League clubs have already sent scouts to watch him play for Juventus, including Arsenal. Despite the Gunners sending scouts to watch the U.S. Men's National Team star play in Serie A, there is not thought to be any advanced negotiations over a move for the player in the January transfer window.
The Gunners are rumoured to be willing to offer Albert Sambi Lokonga in a potential swap deal for McKennie, though Juve are reluctant to accept a deal that does not include a cash offer. The Serie A outfit are keen to make Leandro Paredes' loan move from Paris Saint-Germain permanent and need to raise funds to do so, meaning it is unlikely they will accept a player-swap deal, as per Calciomercato.
Juventus are said to be open to letting McKennie leave, but only for the right price with a fee in the region of £26million thought to be the Italian giants' asking price. If the 24-year-old becomes available in the near future, then there is set to be a number of suitors lined up waiting to make a move.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal confirmed to avoid Bayern Munich tie with 28 teams set to discover Europa League fate
Three Arsenal players Unai Emery may sign at Aston Villa including ambitious Kieran Tierney move
Arsenal handed huge boost ahead of PSV clash as Mikel Arteta eyes Europa League top spot
Arsenal 'will do anything' to secure major midfield transfer as Edu eyes Tielemans alternative
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
