Thomas Partey remains a key player for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty Images)
Juventus are looking at possible replacements for Paul Pogba after he failed a drugs test and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is on their radar.
Pogba is provisionally suspended after a test, carried out after Juve’s 3-0 win over Udinese on 20 August, found he had elevated levels of testosterone in his system.
Juventus said in a statement on Monday: ‘Juventus Football Club announces that today, 11 September, 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the results of tests carried out on 20 August, 2023.
‘The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.’
Rafaela Pimenta, Pogba’s agent, confirmed that his team are waiting on a second sample, adding: ‘What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule.’
However, if found guilty the Frenchman faces a ban of up to four years, likely ending the 30-year-old’s career at the top level.
Paul Pogba’s playing career at the top level is jeopardy over a failed drug test (Picture: Getty Images)
Juventus are already looking at solutions and La Repubblica report that Partey is one of the candidates they would look at if Pogba does receive a ban.
The Turin giants were interested in Partey over the summer and reportedly made contact with Arsenal over the possibility of a move but the Ghanaian has stayed in north London and remains a key figure under Mikel Arteta.
The 30-year-old started the first three Premier League games of the season, missing out on the win over Manchester United last time out due to a groin problem.
The Gunners would certainly not be keen to let him go in January unless they could find a suitable replacement.
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