Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol has provided some details surrounding Arthur Melo and a potential move to Arsenal.
Arsenal were one of the busier sides in the summer transfer window, bringing in six players as they looked to rebuild their squad. However, one of the areas where they are still pretty thin is in the centre of midfield, where they only have four options available to them.
And with Granit Xhaka a constant suspension threat, Mohamed Elneny on international duty for the immediate future and Thomas Partey something of an injury risk, it would be sensible for them to look for another body to bolster their ranks for the rest of the season and beyond.
Recent reports have linked the Gunners with Juventus midfielder Arthur, and speaking on Wednesday’s edition of Sky Sports News’ The Transfer Show, Solhekol was able to provide an update on the reports, claiming that the player’s agent has been in contact with the club – although he did reveal that a deal wouldn’t be that straightforward to secure.
He said: “Arsenal are trying to sign a midfielder; they’re trying to sign Arthur from Juventus. And the big development today has been that the player’s agent, we’re told, has been in London for talks with Arsenal.
“Now, the situation is that Arsenal would like him on loan. Juventus, I think, are open to him leaving on loan, but they would like an option or an obligation included in the deal, and I think Juventus would like it to be an 18-month loan deal – and they also need to line up a replacement before they let Arthur leave.
“Our information is as far as the player is concerned, he would like to move to Arsenal. He’s ready to make a move, pack his bags, come to London and play for Arsenal. But of course, a deal needs to be sorted out between the two clubs – his agent doing what he can to make it happen.”
TIF Thoughts on Kaveh Solhekol’s comments about Arthur Melo and Arsenal…
Will Arsenal make a signing this January?
Yes
No
It seems as if Arthur wants to join the club, which should hopefully help things run smoothly if the two clubs agree to a deal at some point in the future.
And at the age of 25, he clearly suits the Arsenal agenda of trying to promote younger players, whether that be through players they have bought or their academy products, so this does seem like a match that can work for the player as well as the club.
Arsenal will now just have to hope that Juventus can find a suitable replacement for him in time, because with less than two weeks to go of the window, time is running out for them to get the deal done.
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