Juventus plan transfer raid on Arsenal for Thomas Partey if Paul Pogba is hit with lengthy ban after failing drugs test

The World Cup-winning France international has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for testosterone. Pogba has played just 52 minutes of club football this season, as his injury struggles continue, and is now facing the threat of a four-year ban.

That is the maximum sentence that could be handed out to him if it is determined that he took the banned substance in his system on purpose. The initial suspension hanging over his head is a two-year one, which would still lead to his contract in Turin being torn up.

La Repubblica report that Juve are already in the process of identifying possible replacements for Pogba. Arsenal star Partey is a player that has been registering on their radar for some time, with questions asked of his potential availability during the summer.

The Gunners are reluctant to sell, despite now having Declan Rice on their books to fill a holding midfield role, but that stance may be relaxed if the right offer is tabled. Ghana international Partey is currently working his way back from a hamstring injury, but has figured in three Premier League games for Arsenal in the 2023-24 campaign.