So, it looks like Liverpool will be strengthening their midfield today as Jürgen Klopp and Julian Ward close in on a deal to sign Arthur on loan from Juventus.
The Brazil international has endured a period of stagnation since his £72.5m move from Barcelona to Juventus in 2020, making just 11 starts in Serie A last season.
As a result, Liverpool fans may not know much about Arthur, although Lionel Messi has already told the Anfield faithful what they can expect from the South American.
What’s the story?
Well, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner shared a pitch with the 26-year-old on 60 occasions for Barcelona, so he knows all about what the Brazilian can do.
Interestingly, Messi likened Arthur to the legendary Xavi, a man who put his name up in lights as one of the greatest playmakers of all time during his 17-year run in the Barcelona first-team.
Speaking in 2018, the Argentina international said: “Arthur surprised me. He really reminds me of Xavi’s style.”
To even be mentioned in the same breath as Xavi speaks volumes about Arthur’s ability.
There is a reason why Juventus spent over £70m on the midfield maestro, and Liverpool fans should certainly be excited – he is currently travelling to Merseyside to undergo a medical.
Arthur will bring something new to Liverpool
In our view, Klopp doesn’t have a midfielder like Arthur – aside from Thiago, perhaps.
A lot of Liverpool’s midfield options are hungry, pressing machines who do not tend to sit deep and dictate the play like Arthur enjoys doing, so this move is set to give the Reds a lot more control in the middle of the park.
Hopefully – should he settle quickly – the Juventus No.29 can replicate what Thiago brings to Klopp’s side, and be used as a rotational option with the Spain international to ensure he does not suffer as many injuries.
Keep an eye on this situation, with an official announcement expected at some point today.
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