Arsenal and Tottenham told to ‘move on’ as advances rejected for Juventus talent

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TBR Football understands that Juventus have rebuffed a host of enquiries from the Premier League over Khephren Thuram in the last six months.

The 24-year-old joined Juventus in 2024, following in the footsteps of his father, Lilian, in moving to Turin.

Thuram’s arrival was questioned by some, but he has been outstanding for Juventus since joining and has forced his way into the France squad under Didier Deschamps.

Thuram is a player who has continually been on the radar of many clubs, and enquiries came in the summer about him – with rumours about Juve’s financial situation suggesting he could be available.

TBR Football can reveal that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham were amongst the sides who asked about Thuram, but they were told to move on very quickly.

Exclusive: Juventus reject advances for Khephren Thuram

Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively revealed to TBR Football that Juventus consider Thuram untouchable despite mounting Premier League interest.

Bailey confirmed: “Thuram is one of those players that Premier League clubs had the chance to land before Juve took him from Nice.

“Juve took that chance and have been rewarded, Thuram’s form since arriving in Italy has been spectacular – he was not even in the France squad, let alone pushing for a starting spot, he has really kicked on.

“Now, along with Yildiz, Comolli believes he has something special, and he is getting calls – we know that, but they have no interest in letting either of these two go, they are both deemed as ‘untouchable’ by Juve at this point.”

Sources close to the club have told TBR Football that Juve’s new general manager, Damien Comolli, has grand plans for Thuram, along with Kenan Yildiz.

Comolli wants to build Juve’s future around Thuram and Yildiz, aiming to tie them down to new long-term contracts.

Jurgen Klopp wanted Thuram at Anfield in 2023 before the German completed a complete overhaul of his midfield options ahead of his final campaign with Liverpool.

While Mikel Arteta bolstered his midfield ranks with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard this summer, the Gunners boss is believed to be a huge admirer of Thuram, having monitored the midfielder also during his spell with Nice.

Tottenham have added Yehor Yarmoliuk to their shortlist, and Thomas Frank is eager to recruit another midfielder in North London, as the current midfield options are proving to be a cause for concern for the new boss.

Khephren Thuram has been compared to Steven Gerrard

Former Liverpool forward Jermaine Pennant discussed the prospect of Thuram arriving in the Premier League when he was strongly linked with the Reds in 2023.

Pennant told talkSPORT that the Frenchman reminds him of Reds legend Steven Gerrard: “There is talk of getting Khephren Thuram from Nice. If that happens, it would be an amazing signing. Apparently, talks are advanced.

“He’s like a box-to-box defender. He scores goals. And he can go past players. He can have the ball at his feet, be able to go past players and then score goals. This is what this guy can do.

“I am not going to put him to a Steven Gerrard because he was one of his own but, if I can say it, of that mould. He is one of those players. Back to the goal, he can skip a player. He’s technically gifted. Amazing. Great athlete, strong and quick. And also got an eye for assists and goals.

“I think that would go amazingly well alongside a Mac Allister. They will play off each other. If you then throw in Trent Alexander-Arnold, then that’s a strong midfield.”