"Happy to join..." - Journalist drops key update over Arsenal target as transfer talks revealed

Arsenal target Weston McKennie is on the cusp of joining Premier League rivals Leeds United, according to a fresh report.

This January the Gunners have spent £21million plus add-ons to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton and £17.5million to secure a deal for Spezia’s Jakub Kiwior.

However, Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claimed Arsenal were also looking to add McKennie to bolster the midfield options for the second half of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s side had allegedly contacted the 24-year-old’s agents after Juve had set an asking price of £17million - £22million plus bonuses.

However, it appears that McKennie is keen to join Premier League rivals Leeds, who also expressed an interest in the player.

McKennie to Leeds?

According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, McKennie is “happy” to move to Leeds after conversations with the club’s manager, Jesse Marsch, and midfielder Tyler Adams, who is the Juve star’s international teammate.

In a tweet, Jacobs claimed on Wednesday morning: “Weston McKennie is happy to join #LUFC and has spoken to Jesse Marsch and Tyler Adams.

“Juventus open to a late window deal, but not at a cut price.

“Club deny they'll be forced to offload players following their 15-point deduction, an expected response given they are appealing.”

Indeed, Juventus have been deducted 15 points following an investigation into their past transfer dealings.

The Old Lady, who have denied any wrongdoing and plan to appeal, were accused of fixing their balance sheets by inflating transfer fees.

Nevertheless the CBS journalist claimed the Serie A giants want over £26million for the McKennie, contrary to previous reports.

Only yesterday Jacobs had also linked the player with an Arsenal move, however, he stressed that nothing “too significant” had yet materialised and that no contact had yet been made with Juve.