Juventus have now put Arthur Melo at the very top of their chopping block and even asked the Brazilian’s agent, Federico Pastorello, to find a new club for the Arsenal transfer target.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who note Massimiliano Allegri wants to see the back of the Brazilian this summer. The Bianconeri boss is keen to shift the 25-year-old and replace Arthur with a star of his own signing, who could ideally give a completely different skill set.
Allegri has never truly taken to the midfielder since returning to the helm in Turin last year. Arthur’s place in the Old Lady engine room so far this season has mainly come from a place of necessity, rather than desire. His Allianz Stadium exit was even on the cards in January.
But as Juventus failed to sell Arthur in the winter market, the Serie A side are now working with his agent, Pastorello, to sound out potential suitors. The Bianconeri are steadfast that he will only leave for sufficient offers, so hope his representative can establish the interest.
Juventus working with agent to find club for Arthur despite likely Arsenal bid
Arsenal had explored Arthur’s availability in the January transfer window and held lengthy negotiations with Juventus, per The Athletic. But the Gunners favoured his arrival in north London to be on loan for the rest of the tern, while the Old Lady sought an 18-month deal.
Technical director Edu eventually struck a deal with the Bianconeri for Arthur to join until summer 2023. Arsenal would have also obtained a €40m (£34m) purchase option for next year. Yet the Emirates Stadium board ultimately vetoed the prolonged temporary switch.
But interest in the £75m former Barcelona star, who former Italy striker Antonio Cassano calls ‘a sensational player’, remains at the Premier League side ahead of the summer sales.
Arsenal are ready to try their luck at signing Arthur from Juventus again when the transfer window reopens, per Calciomercato. The 22-cap Brazilian has featured in all seven of the Bianconeri’s Serie A fixtures since the winter market, hitting 16 games for the term so far.
Arthur has also featured six times in the Champions League and in four domestic cup ties this season. But he is yet to score a single goal and has only offered one assist. Yet Arsenal seem set to revive their interest in Arthur’s transfer and make Juventus an imminent offer.
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