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Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, with the player keen to leave the Serie A club in January.
Arthur Melo, 25, had an injury-hit debut campaign with Juventus that limited him to just 32 games across all competitions. The midfielder underwent a right knee surgery in July that saw him miss the first two months of this season. While the Brazilian international has returned to full fitness in October, he’s yet to fully convince manager Max Allegri and has only started just one Serie A game to date.
A lack of game time so returning from injury has left the 25-year-old frustrated and he wants to leave Juventus for regular opportunities. Sevilla have identified Arthur as their main target, but the central midfielder’s new agency—P&P Sport Management, Federico Pastorello’s company—would prefer that he joins a Premier League team.
Along with Arsenal, Leeds United and Newcastle United are all keen on the Brazilian’s signature, which could lead to a bidding way during the January transfer window.
Arsenal must prioritise midfield reinforcements in January
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta bolstered his midfield options in the summer transfer window by signing Albert Sambi Lokonga from Belgian club Anderlecht. But, his club will certainly have to take a dip in the upcoming transfer window for another quality central midfield player.
The north London giants are set to lose Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny for the AFCON, which starts from January onwards. Not to forget, Elneny’s contract expires in June, meaning any non-British club would be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement in January for a free transfer in the summer.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ long-term future at the club remains in big doubt after he was denied a deadline day move to Everton, while Granit Xhaka is out for the foreseeable future with a serious knee injury sustained in the north London derby in October.
Should the Gunners make a move for Arthur Melo?
Arthur Melo has emerged as a potential target for the Gunners, with Arteta perhaps intent on adding a central midfielder to his squad in the New Year.
Formerly of Barcelona, Arthur would be the right fit for Arteta’s Arsenal side due to his technical ability on the ball, reading of the game and spatial awareness. He’s a good dribbler while his short and long passing ability makes him a treat to watch. The 25-year-old can spot a pass in the final third and is also defensively sound.
With just over 100 appearances combined for Barcelona and Juventus, Arthur may not have too much experience in European football, but he could offer a lot of quality to Arsenal. The diminutive Brazilian would add depth to a problematic area within Arteta’s squad, whilst bringing in some much-needed competition.
The Gunners have enjoyed rich success in nurturing young talents under Arteta, thus, making the Emirates Stadium an ideal destination for Arthur, as he eyes an exit from Juventus in the winter transfer window.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
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