'No longer the priority': Romano says Arsenal have cooled their interest in 'incredible' player

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Arthur Melo is “no longer the priority” for Arsenal this summer.

The Gunners were heavily linked with the Juventus midfielder over the January transfer window.

Reports claimed that Arsenal worked hard to try and bring Arthur to the Emirates.

In fact, it was believed that Edu provisionally agreed a deal to sign the Brazilian.

Arsenal reportedly agreed an 18-month loan which included an £33.4 million option to buy.

However, the move never got over the line, so Arthur stayed put in Turin.

Arsenal could still do with bringing a new midfielder or two to north London in the summer.

Mohamed Elneny’s contract expires at the end of the season, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ future is uncertain.

But Romano, writing on CaughtOffside, claims the Gunners aren’t really looking to Arthur any more.

“The Gunners are considering several candidates because a new midfielder will arrive in the summer,” he wrote.

“There is no doubt, but who it will be will hinge on whether or not the club can qualify for the Champions League.

“Arthur Melo has been an option for months but is no longer the priority, unlike in January.”

Arthur move may no longer be easy for Arsenal

Juve were open to letting Arthur leave for Arsenal in January.

However, since that move fell through, the midfielder has forced his way back into the fold.

Arthur looked like he fit the bill for Arsenal, a technically sound midfielder with great vision and superb passing and dribbling skills.

The likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Thomas Vermaelen have previously sung his praises.

Messi compared Arthur to Xavi, Iniesta called him “exceptional” and Vermaelen said “he has all the battling skills and the technical ability to go right to the top”.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will still move for him – after all, Romano hasn’t said the Gunners don’t want him any more.