Arsenal midfielder won't be travelling for AFCON

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has not been picked in Ghana's squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.

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.