Arsenal battle Real Madrid for £61m Serie A Powerhouse | OneFootball

Arsenal now rivalling Real Madrid for £61m Serie A maestro admired by Arteta

Arsenal expand midfield shortlist with Serie A target

Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to sign Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram, joining Real Madrid and Liverpool in tracking the 24-year-old. According to Football Fancast, a report from Spain suggests that Mikel Arteta is a keen admirer of the France international, whose asking price is set at around €70m (£61m).

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Thuram, described by scout Ben Mattinson as “balanced” with “powerful carrying”, “physicality” and “quick feet”, has developed into one of Serie A’s most complete midfielders since joining Juventus in the summer of 2024. His performances have drawn interest from across Europe, and Arsenal’s recent involvement underlines their desire to strengthen their midfield depth in 2026.

Arteta’s admiration for “powerful” Thuram

Arteta’s interest in Thuram comes as no surprise. The Arsenal manager has long valued midfielders who blend technique with strength, and Thuram fits that mould perfectly. “Powerful”, as one scout put it, Thuram offers the kind of physical presence that complements Arsenal’s current options in midfield.

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The Frenchman’s Champions League experience, with 13 appearances already, adds another layer of appeal. His dribbling and progressive play from deep positions have been central to Juventus’ European form this season.

A potential move, however, will not be straightforward. With a contract running until 2029 and Juventus viewing him as a key component of their rebuild, it would likely take a significant offer to bring him to North London.

Arsenal’s current midfield balance

Arsenal are already well-stocked in midfield, with Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard forming a core that has been instrumental in their recent success. In the 4-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, Rice and Zubimendi combined to create three big chances, underlining their growing understanding.

Alongside Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze, Arsenal’s depth allows Arteta tactical flexibility, yet the pursuit of Thuram suggests the club are thinking ahead. Adding a player of his profile could ensure long-term competition and protection against injuries or future departures.

Transfer challenge ahead

Convincing Juventus to part with Thuram will be no easy task. The Serie A club have little financial incentive to sell, and interest from Real Madrid complicates matters. Arsenal’s recruitment strategy has shifted toward long-term planning, and any move for Thuram would fit that pattern, particularly with the player’s contract security and rising market value.

For now, Arsenal’s focus will remain on sustaining their title challenge, but the scouting of a midfielder like Thuram shows that preparations for the next phase of Arteta’s project are already underway.

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The prospect of bringing in a midfielder like Khephren Thuram feels both exciting and logical. Arteta’s admiration for technically gifted yet physically dominant players is clear, and Thuram embodies those traits.

Fans will remember how the manager has transformed the club’s midfield identity. The combination of Rice, Zubimendi and Odegaard has added balance and bite, but depth remains a concern when injuries strike. Adding Thuram would not only reinforce the squad but also allow greater rotation in a long season that includes domestic and European commitments.

The reported £61m valuation will raise eyebrows, but Arsenal supporters have become accustomed to strategic spending when the right player emerges. Thuram’s contract at Juventus means a deal might not happen soon, yet monitoring him aligns with the club’s forward-thinking model.

For many fans, the hope will be that such scouting translates into timely action. Arsenal are now a Champions League force again, and players like Thuram could ensure they stay there.