Sporting Lisbon are now making strong efforts to sign Arthur Melo from Juventus, just days after Everton began talks to beat rival interest from Newcastle United before deadline day.
Juventus will now cover Arthur Melo wages to loan out Everton, Newcastle target
According to Calciomercato, Juventus are now prepared to cover the full amount of Arthur Melo’s salary to loan the midfielder out this summer. He does not feature in Massimiliano Allegri’s plans in Turin, but his high wage has so far proven to be a problem for many sides.
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The Bianconeri agreed to award the Brazilian a contract worth almost €8m-a-year (£131k-a/w) when joining from Barcelona in 2020. But Arthur has so far struggled to show why the Serie A side spent £66m, rising £9m, in exchange for Miralem Pjanic at £55m, rising £4.5m.
Juventus are now in talks with Sporting Lisbon over a season-long switch for the 26-year-old. The Portuguese giants are making increasing efforts to obtain Arthur and have a good chance at a deal, with the Bianconeri prepared to cover his excessive salary in its entirety.
To sanction a season-long switch with 100% of his wages covered by Juventus, the Serie A side would demand an onerous loan fee. Arthur has also given his blessing to a short-term departure, and is now waiting to learn what concrete offers arrive before the market ends.
Everton have opened talks to sign Allianz Stadium outcast in recent days
Everton have also opened discussions with Juventus in recent days to explore their interest in a last-ditch deal for Arthur. TuttoMercatoWEB claim the Toffees are exploring the terms needed for a season-long switch, with Frank Lampard eager to strengthen his engine room.
Eddie Howe, likewise, admires Arthur, with Tutto Juve crediting Newcastle United with an interest in the Juventus outcast earlier in August. The 22-cap Brazil international – who ex-Italy international Antonio Cassano calls ‘sensational’ – is yet to feature so far this season.
Arthur also only started 11 of his 20 Serie A appearances last term, plus two of six outings in the Champions League. Now, Everton or Newcastle could offer the midfielder a taste of the Premier League through late efforts to advance their interest in a move with Juventus.
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