Juventus Transfers: 4 potential destinations for Arthur Melo in January – ranked

ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY - 2021/12/21: Arthur Melo of Juventus FC gestures during the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio. Juventus FC won 2-0 Cagliari Calcio. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY - 2021/12/21: Arthur Melo of Juventus FC gestures during the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio. Juventus FC won 2-0 Cagliari Calcio. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
2 of 4

3. Arsenal

Mikel Arteta would appreciate Arthur’s qualities, but a move to the Premier League isn’t a good idea. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta would appreciate Arthur’s qualities, but a move to the Premier League isn’t a good idea. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Various reports in the Italian media have linked Arsenal with a move for Arthur this winter. Recently, Spanish outlet Marca joined in on the fun.

They believe the Gunners are looking to bolster their midfield in January due to two of their midfielders, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, missing a month of action with the African Cup of Nations upcoming. Thus, a short-term deal for Arthur could be a smart move.

And while Mikel Arteta’s principles mean the Brazilian will be a better fit at the Emirates compared to Goodison Park, I think the Premier League is a bad move for the 25-year-old altogether.

Arthur is a limited midfielder, but what he’s good at, he’s excellent at. He’s superb in the build-up phase and resisting pressure, but these are attributes that could be compromised should he make the move to England.

It’s very cliché, but the speed and intensity of the Premier League is a different kettle of fish compared to anything the Brazilian has ever encountered on a regular basis. It’d take time for Arthur to acclimatise, rendering a loan move pretty pointless for the Gunners.

Continues on the next slide…