Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement over personal terms with Arthur Melo ahead of a potential move to the Emirates.
If reports from 90 min are to be believed, Arsenal are one step closer towards completing the capture of Arthur Melo. The Premier League giants have agreed personal terms with the Juventus midfielder, who is desperate to leave Vecchia Signora in January, in an attempt to relaunch his career.
All that remains for Arsenal is to negotiate the terms of a departure of Juventus. The Bianconeri are yet to greenlight the Brazilian international’s exit and are appearing reluctant to let the 25-year-old midfielder leave the club in January.
The report suggests Arsenal have offered a short-term loan deal, and are willing to pay the full salary of the Brazilian. But Juventus have no intention of sanctioning a loan deal for the midfielder and are only interested in sanctioning a permanent move.
There has been speculation over the club’s desire to propose a swap deal involving Arthur and Thomas Partey, although it is more than unrealistic given Arsenal’s desperate need for reinforcements in the midfield department.
Mikel Arteta has indeed struggled with a lack of depth in his midfield unit. Ainsley Maitland-Niles left the club this month in favour of completing a loan move to AS Roma, whereas Partey was unavailable due to his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations. It has led to a dismal January for the Gunners, who most recently succumbed to a goalless draw with Burnley on Sunday.
The lack of options in midfield has compelled Arteta to enter the market for reinforcements. Arthur Melo has emerged as one of the top targets for the north London giants due to the midfielder’s technical prowess and tactical versatility in the middle of the park. Having played at Barcelona, the Brazilian is also familiar with positional play, making him a tactically compatible option for Arsenal.
However, with just a week remaining before the transfer window slams to a shut, Arsenal must move quickly if they are to sign the 25-year-old Juventus star this month. The Gunners have no shortage of alternatives, though, having also been linked with a move for Georginio Wijnaldum.
In fact, the Premier League giants are best placed to sign the PSG outcast in January, so it will be interesting to see how the Gunners go about their business in the coming days.
