Chelsea can aid Arsenal in Edu’s pursuit of Arthur Melo, as Sky Italia report Juventus could replace the Brazilian midfielder with Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the January transfer window.
The Gunners are insistent in their chase of a deal to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s engine room with Arthur this month. Talks remain ongoing between the north London and Turin outfits over a loan deal. But the Bianconeri remain slightly hesitant to sanction a temporary move.
Any exit will also force the Old Lady to act in the winter sales to sign Massimiliano Allegri a replacement. Yet idyllic targets like LOSC Lille dynamo Renato Sanches or Lyon star Bruno Guimaraes are most likely out of reach due to the costs associated with either Ligue 1 ace.
Juventus also need to reserve funds to sign a striker, as Federico Chiesa requires surgery on his knee. The Italy international sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage against Roma.
So, Juventus are now studying a transfer for Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek if Arsenal sign Arthur in January. His replacement at the Allianz Stadium is one of the final hurdles keeping Edu from a deal. The Express note the Gunners’ Technical Director is driving their pursuit.
Reports by Calciomercato also claim Juventus would request €35m (£29m) for a permanent transfer. Yet have long accepted a temporary move is the most viable mid-season option.
Chelsea and Loftus-Cheek could control Arsenal transfer for Juventus ace Arthur
But while Edu is keen to bring his compatriot to Arsenal this month, Juventus will only let Arthur leave if they land a replacement in the January transfer window, according to Goal.
Arsenal have offered to sign Arthur on loan for the rest of the season and would cover his full salary. The Bianconeri like the idea, and the Daily Mail note the £125k-a-week maestro is also keen to join the Gunners. Yet, Chelsea may be in control of any move materialising.
Thomas Tuchel has fielded Loftus-Cheek in 20 of the Blues’ fixtures across all competitions so far this season. The 25-year-old has also offered three assists, but has only started nine games. Just 25 of his 1,024-minutes also came in their Carabao Cup ties with Tottenham.
Juventus could tempt Loftus-Cheek to join by offering the 10-cap international a chance to show Gareth Southgate why he should be in his England squad for this year’s World Cup.
Loftus-Cheek last featured for the Three Lions in November 2018. But the London-born ace earned vivid praise from then-manager Scott Parker while on loan at Fulham last season.
“His self-belief has to be there,” Parker said, via FourFourTwo. “He’s playing in the best league in the world and at times is unplayable in the best league in the world, against teams and against players who are world-class.”
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