Premier League giants Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the capture of Juventus midfielder Arthur on a short-term loan deal.
According to a report from RMC Sport, Arsenal are in pole position to secure a deal to sign Arthur Melo this January. They are currently in advanced negotiation with Juventus surrounding the potential loan move for the Brazilian midfielder, who is likely to spend the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign at the Emirates.
Formerly of FC Barcelona, Arthur has endured a difficult spell at Juventus since joining the club in the summer of 2020. His first season at the club saw him feature in just over 1,100 minutes of league football as he struggled to make his mark in the Serie A. It has been pretty much the same story in the new season, with the 25-year-old midfielder mustering only three starts in the league.
The summer arrival of Manuel Locatelli coupled with the recent emergence of Weston McKennie has seen the Brazilian fall down the pecking order. As a result, he is now prepared to move elsewhere in January, with Arsenal seemingly emerging as the likely destination.
Arsenal’s interest in the former Barcelona starlet is hardly surprising as Mikel Arteta is desperate for midfield reinforcements. Rocked by the absence of Thomas Partey due to the Africa Cup of Nations, the Spaniard lacks depth in the middle of the park, especially after the recent departure of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
It has left Arteta with Albert Sambi Lokonga and Granit Xhaka as the only two reliable options in midfield. Arthur, to that end, could be a logical addition to the team.
The Brazilian offers the technical prowess and the creativity that may combine well with Partey during the second half of the campaign. He is capable of operating in a more attacking role as well, making him a potential alternative for Martin Odegaard in the number ten slot.
Arsenal were initially expected to sign Bruno Guimaraes, who was the desired target for Arteta. But it appears the Gunners have opted to go with Arthur, who is available for a loan deal in January.
It remains to be seen whether Juventus add an option for redemption at the end of the season, but it won’t be surprising to see the 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder costing a fortune given his quality and the potential of becoming a star asset for any team in Europe.
(Featured Image courtesy of Kirill Venediktov/Wikimedia)
