Arsenal are making a push to sign Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo this January but the Bianconeri want to bring in a replacement before letting the Brazilian depart.
Arthur had been expected to leave the club this month after struggling to convince Massimiliano Allegri following his return from injury two months into the 2021/22 campaign. The 25-year-old played just 399 minutes of football in the first half of the season with summer arrival Manuel Locatelli favoured at the base of midfield.
However, it was thought that Arthur may have handed himself a new lease of life at Juve after his introduction helped the Bianconeri overturn a 3-1 deficit in the space of seven minutes away at AS Roma on Sunday evening.
Many Juventino are desperate to see Arthur and Locatelli operate in the same midfield, but the latest reports suggest the Brazilian could be on his way out very soon.
Arsenal are targeting Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo on a short loan
Arsenal in contact with Juventus over a loan move for Arthur. He is an option, but nothing done. Juventus don't want to let him go without bringing someone in. Juve like Bruno Guimaraes (who doesn't?), but finances make that difficult. Arthur open to joining Arsenal @romeoagresti pic.twitter.com/qNl79AvN83
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 12, 2022
Premier League outfit Arsenal require midfield reinforcements this month. Thomas Partey and Mohammed Elneny are away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations and with Granit Xhaka currently missing due to COVID-19, inexperienced summer addition Albert Sambi Lokonga is Mikel Arteta’s only senior midfield option.
A potential alternative, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, was shipped out to Roma on loan last week.
Thus, the Gunners require a short-term fix and according to Romeo Agresti, they’re “in contact” with Juventus over a move for Arthur. Arsenal are discussing a potential loan move with the Bianconeri and the Brazilian is reportedly happy to move to north London, even if only temporarily.
Juventus want to sign a replacement before letting Arthur leave
However, the deal isn’t close to being finalised because Juventus want to sign a replacement before letting Arthur depart.
Impending free agent Denis Zakaria has previously been linked with a move, while fresh links emerged on Monday night regarding Lyon’s Bruno Guimarães. The French club’s €45 valuation is currently a sticking point, with the Old Lady attempting to negotiate an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer for the aforementioned fee.
Arsenal also hold an interest in Guimarães, but Arthur will likely be an easier deal to complete.