Newcastle United are interested in a move for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo – but would face a battle from La Liga side Sevilla.
That’s according to a report from Italian newspaper La Repubblica, who claim that Arthur could leave Juventus in January.
Arthur is allegedly unhappy with his lack of playing time and wants to leave if his role doesn’t change.
Newcastle are thought to have Arthur on their transfer wish list as they eye exciting new signings.
Just who is driving Newcastle’s transfer business is unclear. PIF haven’t yet found a director of football ahead the January window.
Eddie Howe will have a say, as will Frank McParland as he works closely with Amanda Staveley, with one of them potentially keen on Arthur.
Who is Newcastle target Arthur?
Arthur excelled in his native Brazil with Gremio, earning a big move to Barcelona in 2018.
Barcelona bizarrely swapped Arthur for Miralem Pjanic in 2020, a move that hasn’t benefitted anybody.
Juventus paid £66million to land Arthur in that deal.
Arthur, 25, has only started one Serie A game this season and doesn’t appear to be in favour under Max Allegri.
This isn’t how things were supposed to go for Arthur in Europe.
Compared to technically-gifted midfielders like Thiago, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, Arthur was supposed to become a star. It just hasn’t happened.
Thomas Vermaelen even branded Arthur ‘incredible’ after his start to life with Barcelona, but he hasn’t kicked on.
Newcastle could try to get the best out of Arthur with a January move, adding some Brazilian flair to Howe’s side.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
