Brazilian’s agents looking for new club, Arsenal readying move – report

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Arsenal have reportedly been eyeing Arthur Melo in recent months.

According to a Marca report from mid-December, the Gunners are readying a move for the Juventus midfielder.

The Spanish outlet claims Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his midfield ranks and has taken a shine to Arthur.

The Gunners could be three midfielders down in January.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is reportedly closing in on a move away from the Emirates to Roma.

Meanwhile, fellow Arsenal midfielders Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are Africa Cup of Nations-bound.

Therefore, there’s certainly scope for Arteta to sign a midfielder in January.

Now, Tuttosport have claimed that Arthur’s representatives are actively trying to find their client a solution.

The Brazil international reportedly views making the Selecao squad for the 2022 World Cup an “unmissable target”.

Although Arthur has started Juve’s last two Serie A games, he’s got just 399 minutes under his belt this season.

The 25-year-old is reportedly on 5 million euro per year (around £81,000-a-week) plus bonuses.

With Juve seemingly needing to free up their wage bill, they appear keen to offload Arthur.

If Arsenal can pull this move off, they’d be getting a player who was once compared to Xavi.

Football Espana quoted Lionel Messi as saying: “He’s really similar to Xavi.

“He’s really safe and reliable [on the ball]. He has the style of a player that’s come through La Masia.

“He plays well over short distances, he doesn’t lose the ball, he’s quickly got to grips with the team’s dynamic.”