South American football expert Tim Vickery has told TalkSPORT that Arthur’s behaviour off the pitch has not been as good as it should be. The Juventus ace is reportedly closing in on a move to Arsenal this month.
A report this week claims that Arsenal are set to meet with Juventus in the next day or two, in order to thrash out a move for Arthur. CalcioMercato say that there is a confidence a loan deal will be secured for all parties.
The £35million-rated (Mail) midfielder is struggling to get game time at Juventus – since the return of Max Allegri. Indeed, the swap deal involving Miralem Pjanic in 2020 has not benefited Arthur – or Pjanic.
Speaking on Arsenal potentially making a move to sign Juventus star Arthur in the next fortnight, Vickery gave his take. He says that he has been told that Arthur’s behaviour off the pitch is poor – but that he will suit Arsenal.
“I’m told by people far closer to this than I am that his life off the field hasn’t been as disciplined as it should be. But I love his ability to receive the ball and keep possession. He’s the kind of player that Arteta would like.”
Vickery on Arthur: Should Arsenal add another ill-disciplined player?
It has been a sign of Arteta’s spell in charge. The Spanish gaffer clearly has high standards and failure to meet them can cause the Arsenal boss to take action. Recently, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of his captaincy.
That is, after turning up late for a clash against Tottenham – and then returning late from a trip to see his Mother. Granit Xhaka has also been stripped of the captaincy, while Matteo Guendouzi was offloaded.
So, do Arsenal need another example of that? Well, a dry loan for Arthur means Arsenal would have no permanent ties. But the Gunners desperately need a midfielder – Arthur fits the bill. Positives, outweight the negatives.
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