Partey has been on the sidelines for several weeks with a thigh problem and he has yet to report for training with the Gunners.

It has been predicted that he could return by mid-January but judging by the current decision, he may have picked up a setback.

The other reason could be that he is considering a new challenge away from Arsenal and wants to sort out his future this month.

Juventus are long-term admirers of the former Atletico man while he has also been linked with a number of Saudi Arabian teams.

The Gunners are unlikely to accept less than £30m for Partey in January. They would need a replacement first before selling him.

Arsenal will be in FA Cup third round action against Liverpool this weekend. They will be aiming to end a three-match winless run.

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