"I’m told" - Romano provides major update on Arsenal's pursuit of midfield "powerhouse"

Arsenal are not working on a deal to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie contrary to reports, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

The Gunners have been linked with the Juve man in recent weeks, alongside north London rivals Tottenham, Newcastle, Leeds and Everton.

However, according to Romano, Arsenal are not looking to sign McKennie at present.

The journalist told Caught Offside: “Arsenal are not working on a deal for Weston McKennie as of today; then we will see in January.

“He was a target for Tottenham one year ago, nothing happened as Juventus never wanted to let him go on loan.”

Romano added: “I’m aware that there’s been some speculation about Weston McKennie being a target for Arsenal, but I’m told there are no talks.

“We’ll see if that changes in January, but I’m also not sure he’s the type of player Mikel Arteta needs, they could do with someone more dynamic in the middle of the park.”

McKennie has featured 15 times for a stuttering Juventus side this season.

Last night the US international even netted for the third time this season, though it was a consolation goal in a 4-3 defeat to Benfica that resulted in Juve being eliminated from the Champions League.

McKennie, who was once labelled a “powerhouse” by CalcioMercato, has endured an inconsistent time since moving to Italy two years ago.

While he has been linked with a move away for the majority of his time at Juventus, his manager Massimiliano Allegri insisted the 24-year-old was a “very important” player for the Old Lady.

In July, while McKennie was at the centre of a wave of fresh speculation, 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.”