Arsenal now watching midfield 'powerhouse' - he could join in January

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to reports.

McKennie has made 14 appearances for a stuttering Juventus side this term, registering two goals and one assist, but the player has long been linked with a move away from Turin.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been named alongside a score of Premier League clubs as a potential January destination for the combative Juve man.

According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, the likes of Newcastle, Leeds, Everton and Arsenal have all scouted McKennie in recent months, though their interest is not yet thought to be 'at an advanced stage'.

The Gunners’ north London rivals Tottenham are also said to have expressed a long-standing interest in McKennie.

Indeed, Spurs’ director of football Fabio Paratici was the man responsible for sealing McKennie's move to Turin from Schalke 04 two years ago.

While Juventus are said to be open to selling the midfielder if they receive a bid north of £20million, the US international won’t consider his future until after the World Cup.

McKennie’s contract at Juventus runs until 2025 but the Premier League is reportedly of “huge appeal” to the player, according to Mr Jacobs.

The Texas born midfielder, who was once labelled a “powerhouse” by Italian publication CalcioMercato, has been inconsistent in his two year spell in Italy.

Despite McKennie having been linked with a move away from Juventus for the majority of 2022, his manager Massimiliano Allegri stressed the 24-year-old remained a “very important” player for the Old Lady.

In July, amid a wave of fresh speculation surrounding the midfielder, Allegri said: “Mckennie is a Juventus player that is very important.

“Unfortunately last year he missed games due to an injury he suffered in the Champions League.”

Allegri added: “McKennie will have the opportunity to play a great season at Juventus this year.”