Arsenal appear to be closing in on signing Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo – but he has also been offered to Tottenham Hotspur.
This transfer story appears to have moved forward rapidly over the last few days.
The Express claimed on Tuesday that Arsenal’s technical director Edu was particularly keen on signing Arthur.
Edu loves bringing Brazilian players to Arsenal, so that certainly added up.
On Wednesday, Goal in Italy reported that Arsenal’s offer – taking Arthur on loan for the rest of the season whilst paying his wages in full – matched what Juventus wanted.
The Daily Mail later added that Arthur wants to sign for Arsenal, but is waiting for the green light from boss Massimiliano Allegri.
Having only been a substitute against Inter Milan on Wednesday night, Arthur needs to leave Juventus for first-team action. He’s only started three Serie A games all season.
Yet whilst Arsenal seem to be nearing a deal, bitter rivals Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Arthur.
Tuttomercatoweb claim Arthur’s new agent Federico Pastorello – hired in November – has offered Arthur to Tottenham.
With Tanguy Ndombele’s time at Tottenham potentially nearing its end, Antonio Conte will need another midfielder.
Arthur is one option for Tottenham, thought we would make Arsenal firm favourites for his signature at this stage.
A star back home in Brazil with Gremio, Arthur was seemingly on a path to stardom with Barcelona.
Yet having seen his form dip, Arthur was sold to Juventus for £66million in 2020. The fee was partly offset by Miralem Pjanic heading the other way for more than £50million.
Arthur needs another fresh start now, and it looks like North London is a likely destination this month.
With agent Pastorello now touting Arthur to Tottenham, Arsenal may want to get this move wrapped up pretty quickly.
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