Arsenal are reportedly closing in on securing a loan deal for Arthur Melo, with Juventus already looking at replacements in the market.
According to Tuttosport, Arthur Melo could be closing in on joining Arsenal, with the transfer saga seemingly concluding. The latest report suggests the two clubs could reach an agreement over an 18-month loan after Juventus were initially unhappy with the previous offers from the Gunners.
Arsenal had wanted to seal this particular transfer earlier in the month when they identified Arthur Melo as the ideal player to bolster their midfield unit. The Gunners have had shortcomings in the area this month, and they wanted the Brazilian midfielder to come in and play a part in the games this month.
The Serie A giants had rejected a few approaches from the Gunners for various reasons. At first, they cited the loan offer of six months was not enough as Juventus wanted a purchase option or obligation inserted in the deal. The Bianconeri later insisted on signing a replacement and also went to the extent of asking for Thomas Partey in exchange.
Now it seems they have reached an agreement with Arsenal over an 18-month loan deal, which could be sealed in the coming days. Juventus might still be looking to replace Arthur before the 25-year-old leaves for the Premier League.
Although Denis Zakaria has recently emerged as their primary target, they have other players in sight as options. Juventus hope to agree a compensation with Borussia Monchengladbach in the next few days and avoid a scramble in the summer when he will be a free agent.
There are certain complications with Zakaria, considering the widespread interest in the Swiss international, especially from the Premier League. Manchester United were considering a move for the defensive midfielder, although the interest has cooled down a bit in the last week or so.
Juventus are in an indifferent situation financially, which would force them to free up space and wages before signing new stars. They are also competing with Arsenal for Dusan Vlahovic, although the Serbian striker could prove too difficult for the Bianconeri to sign in the ongoing window.
As for Arthur, the 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder could be on his way to north London and become a good mid-term signing for Arsenal to solve their current midfield problems. It remains to be seen how much longer this transfer story will drag, and if it does, it could be a deadline day move.
