Juventus have identified Arsenal midfielder Partey as the target to replace embattled Paul Pogba if the Frenchman receives a lengthy ban for failing a drugs test. 2018 FIFA World Cup winner Paul Pogba has received a provisional suspension from playing after elevated testosterone levels were found in his system following a test conducted on him after Juve's 3-0 win over Udinese. He now faces the threat of a four-year ban if a repeat test conducted will prove that the first test was correct. Juve is already identifying his replacement with the Gunners' Partey on top of their radar. Despite Arsenal's acquisition of Declan Rice this summer, they are reluctant to let go of the Ghanaian midfielder not unless they receive the right offer.

Related Article: Barcelona working on a Haaland move

Partey is currently in recovery after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Gunners' 3-1 win over their arch-rivals Manchester United. His three years of stay at Arsenal have been characterized by fitness issues although not to the same degree as those of Pogba since his return to Juve in July 2022. Pogba even missed out on France's squad for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup due to an injury. The former Manchester United player has played just 52 minutes of football this season and he only featured in 10 games across all competitions last season. 

Juventus could cancel Pogba's contract entirely if the player is banned and they need to have a contingency plan.  Partey had been linked to the Italian powerhouse during the just-concluded transfer period but it is reported that he is a difficult asset to prize away from Arsenal. He started the first three games for Arsenal although he was shifted to play in an unfamiliar right-back position. Juventus' other options that are on the table include Kephren Thuram of Nice, Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone, and Borussia Dortmund's Abdoulaye Kamara. 

ALSO READ:
The Everton takeover!
South Sudan stuns Harambee Stars in a FIFA-Friendly
Rubiales to appear in court over Jenni Hermoso's kiss
Hansi Flick becomes the first manager to be sacked by Germany after his win rate dropped
Al Ittihad are ready to make a £200m bid for Mohamed Salah
Van Gaal now claims that FIFA helped Argentina and Messi to win the World Cup
Spanish football federation fires the Women's national team head coach
Neymar says Messi and himself experienced hell at PSG

(Image: SPORTbible)