Juventus Ready to Sacrifice a Striker for Arsenal's Wonderkid

AFP/Glyn Kirk

Juventus has reportedly set their sights on Arsenal wonderkid Charlie-Michael Patino, displaying a strong desire to secure the 20-year-old midfielder's services. The Italian giants are even prepared to part ways with one of their senior players to make room for the talented Patino.

Patino is currently on loan from Arsenal to Swansea City and has been making significant strides in his development. In the 18 appearances he's made this season, Patino has already notched three goals and provided four assists, showcasing his potential.

Juventus' interest in acquiring Patino next year has been reported by Tuttosport. In their pursuit of Patino, Juventus is willing to offer forward Moise Kean to London's Gunners as part of the deal. Despite being just 20 years old, Arsenal has set a price tag of €20 million for Patino. By including Kean in the transfer, Juventus hopes to reduce the fee by approximately five million euros.

Coincidentally, Massimiliano Allegri, the Juventus head coach, doesn't have a pressing need for Kean's services. Juventus already boasts two other strikers in Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik, making Kean's departure a feasible option.

On the other hand, Patino's acquisition is seen as a necessary move to fill the void left by Paul Pogba, whose contract is set to expire. Pogba is currently unable to play due to a doping suspension, and once the decision on his playing ban is finalized, Juventus may opt to terminate his contract early.

In the race to secure Patino's signature, Juventus will face competition from Inter Milan. La Beneamata has its sights on Patino as a potential replacement for Hakan Calhanoglu.

Charlie-Michael Patino is highly sought-after for his potential to become a future midfield sensation. Football analyst Michele Fratini recently showered Patino with praise, saying, "Patino can play in any midfield role. He possesses a plethora of qualities. Many English clubs are fond of him. Perhaps he is the best player in Arsenal's Academy."

Fratini continued, "I am not exaggerating when I say that he will play at the highest level if he finds the right club. Arsenal has loaned him to Blackburn and Swansea but is considering bringing him back in June. Juventus and Milan? He is on the radar of many clubs and is among the top 50 young players in the world."

Moise Kean is the player Juventus is willing to part with, understanding that Arsenal is in search of an additional striker to provide cover for Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. Kean's suitability for Arsenal's needs makes the player exchange a plausible and mutually beneficial arrangement.