Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo on a season-long loan as they look to battle the injuries in the centre of the park.
The Reds have been hamstrung by injuries in midfield, with Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara both sidelined and Jordan Henderson limping out of his side’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United in midweek.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had previously spoken of his unwillingness to go into the market for a midfielder, but in the final week of the window confirmed that they had changed tack.
“I’m the one who said we don’t need a midfielder, and now we need a midfielder. You were all right and I was wrong”, he told the media. “That is the situation. But that specific point doesn’t change it. If we do something, then it has to be the right one.”
And the Brazilian was chosen as that man, with the former Arsenal target agreeing a one year loan move with the Reds. The deal, Juventus confirmed, also contains a 37.5m euro (£32m) option to buy the player.
Arthur will wear the no.29 shirt for the Reds, which was last occupied by Dominic Solanke before his departure from the club.
“We talked a lot, and our ideas and visions were a good fit so I’m sure it was the right choice. I’m really happy and highly motivated to continue living my dream on the pitch and giving my all in a Liverpool shirt.”
He becomes the fourth signing to arrive at Anfield this summer, with Darwin Nunez, Calvin Ramsay and Fabio Carvalho all having joined the club earlier in the transfer window.
