Juventus Transfers: Juve still keen to let Arthur Melo depart this month
Despite impressing in Juventus’ 4-1 rout over Sampdoria on Tuesday night, the Bianconeri remain intent on facilitating Arthur Melo’s loan departure this month.
The Brazilian’s 2021/22 campaign didn’t get underway until October after undergoing surgery in the summer. Before December, he had started just one Serie A encounter but he’s since started three of Juve’s last five league outings.
The midfielder also made a telling contribution off the bench in the Old Lady’s improbable comeback against AS Roma and his recent form has many questioning why Juve are so keen to let him go.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move, but Juve won’t let Arthur depart unless an alternative is signed before deadline day. Lyon’s Bruno Guimarães and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria are possible options, while Juve could also recall Nicolo Rovella from his Genoa loan.
Juventus want an 18-month loan for Arthur Melo with an option to buy
More on Arthur Melo deal. After meeting between his agent and Arsenal today, Juventus asked for 18 months loan plus buy option to let Arthur leave 🇧🇷 #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2022
Arsenal have only offered a straight loan until end of the current season. Player keen on the move - but nothing agreed yet.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Juventus are now requesting an 18-month loan with an option to buy for Arthur. Arsenal, who are in desperate need of a short-term fix in midfield, have only offered a ‘dry’ six-month loan.
Nevertheless, the player is reported to be keen on the move with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta an admirer of the metronomic Brazilian.
GOAL’s Charles Watts reported on Wednesday that Arthur’s agent, Federico Pasterello, met with Gunners sporting director Edu in London. The north London club are hopeful of a hastening of negotiations in the coming days.
As for Juventus, their desire to let Arthur depart is a little strange. While the midfielder’s defensive deficiencies mean he’s yet to fully garner the trust of the cautious Massimiliano Allegri, his value in possession is distinct.
The Brazilian’s capacity to fulfil the regista function has allowed the brilliant Manuel Locatelli to play further forward and the pair have struck a stellar dynamic in the middle of the park. Together, they have the potential to spearhead a well-balanced Juventus midfield alongside the exuberant Weston McKennie.