Word stemming from the Italian media this weekend suggests that Premier League giants Arsenal are ready to return with a fresh proposal for a member of Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus squad.
The player in question? Arthur Melo.
Midfield conductor Arthur, of course, was hotly tipped to make the move to north London throughout the winter transfer window, amid the efforts of Mikel Arteta and co. to add fresh quality to Arsenal’s engine room.
At one point, it even appeared as though a loan move was on the verge of completion, amid the 25-year-old’s ongoing struggles for playing time in Turin.
Just when it looked a foregone conclusion that the Gunners were set to land their man, however, Max Allegri slammed the door on Arthur’s departure, owing to the failure of the transfer team at the Allianz Stadium to secure a replacement.
As alluded to above, though, Arsenal, it is understood, nevertheless remain keen to lure Arthur away from Serie A come the summer.
As per a report from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, those in a position of power at the Emirates ‘are still interested’ in the Brazilian, ahead of a likely return for his services ahead of next season.
Not only that, but, significantly, it is added that Arthur is widely expected to depart Turin this time round.
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Seagulls triumph
Word of Arsenal’s renewed interest in Arthur’s signature of course comes just 24 hours on from the club’s lack of depth in the middle of the park being ruthlessly exposed once more.
After welcoming out of form Brighton & Hove Albion to the Emirates for a crucial outing amid their ongoing pursuit of a Premier League top-4 berth, the Gunners were put to the sword in concerning fashion, by two goals to one.
This came with youngster Sambi Lokonga thrown back in at the deep end, forced to man the base of Arsenal’s midfield on his own, amid the absence of the sidelined Thomas Partey, and Granit Xhaka’s surprise move to left-back.
Brighton, in turn, went on to dominate the centre of the pitch throughout lengthy stretches of the 90 minutes, ultimately proving key to their emergence from north London with all three points.
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