Report: Arsenal likeliest club to land 'incredible' £41m midfielder this summer, talks under way
Arsenal failed to get their hands on Arthur Melo in January, but they’re reportedly trying to sign him this summer.
According to Corriere Dello Sport – via Sport Witness – the ‘dialogue is already underway’ between the Gunners and Juventus about a potential transfer.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly trying to bolster his midfield ranks by bringing in more quality.
Meanwhile, Juve – who are on the verge of re-signing Paul Pogba – are apparently hoping to sign Leandro Paredes too.
But in order to sign Paredes, they need to move players on, and Arthur is reportedly in line for offloading.
The report adds that Arthur also wants to find a new club.
This is so he can be playing regularly ahead of the World Cup.
Therefore, all the parties are working to try and find a solution.
There are two ‘knots’ that need to be untied for that to happen.
The first is Arthur’s €5m (£4.3m) a year wages.
The second is the €47m (around £41m) that remains on Juve’s books following his move from Barcelona.
Admittedly, the big numbers involved mean finding a buyer is proving ‘extremely complicated’ for Juve.
Corriere claims a loan is the ‘only possible way out’ for Arthur.
And both the Bianconeri and Arthur’s agents are now ‘hard at work’ trying to find someone who will take him.
Arsenal are judged to be the likeliest solution at this moment in time.
And the various parties are now trying to ‘concretise the dialogue’ to find an agreement.
Can Arsenal land Xavi 2.0?
Arthur certainly looks like he’d fit the bill for Arsenal.
He 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 Arthur’s praises.
Messi compared Arthur to Xavi and Iniesta called him “exceptional”
Former Arsenal ace Vermaelen, meanwhile, said Arthur was “incredible” and “has all the battling skills and the technical ability to go right to the top”.
