Agent says £40m West Ham target wants transfer, was ‘close’ to Arsenal

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Arthur Melo wants to leave Serie A giants Juventus amid reported interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and West Ham United, the Brazil international’s agent Federico Pastorello tells FC Inter News. 

He’s been a busy man this summer, Pastorello.

And, after finding new clubs for Romelu Lukaku, Federico Bernardeschi and Leicester City legend Kasper Schmeichel, one of European football’s most influential agents faces a race against time as he looks to free Arthur from his Allianz Stadium shackles. 

Arthur, valued at £40 million, does not appear to be part of Max Allegri’s plans. The Juventus boss prefers more dynamic, physical options in the centre of the park, a la Adrien Rabiot or Weston McKennie.

And, according to Marca, the three most likely destinations as things stand are – in no particular order – Valencia, Arsenal and West Ham. 

Arthur wants to leave Juventus but will he finally join Arsenal?

“There is an interest,” explains Pastorello. “And I hope (a transfer) can materialise. He has the desire to go, so the desire is to find a solution for him because such a strong player does not have to stay and see the others (play instead of him).

“We hope to find a solution for him.”

Personal terms are unlikely to be a problem for at least one of Arthur’s suitors. Arsenal, according to 90Min, reached an agreement with the former Barcelona ace back in January, when the Gunners came within touching distance of completing a deal. 

“In January, he was close to Arsenal,” Pastorello said a couple of weeks ago.

Arsenal have reinforced their ranks since then. Oleksandr Zinchenko arrived, though Mikel Arteta does see the £32 million former Manchester City dynamo as a left-back primarily. It remains to be seen if Arthur is still a possibility.

West Ham, however, are most definitely still in the market for midfield additions. Amadou Onana was expected to arrive from Lille. Until, that is, Premier League rivals Everton hi-jacked their £35 million deal for Lille’s 6ft 5ins Belgium international enforcer. 

Arthur is hardly a like-for-like Onana alternative. But he would add some much-needed guile in the centre of the park.