Arthur Melo has endured a nightmare on Merseyside since joining Liverpool on loan from Juventus. But two Brazilian teams are now interested in his transfer ahead of the summer.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports Gremio and Palmeiras are now exploring deals for Arthur for once he returns to Juventus. The midfielder is highly unlikely to stay at Anfield beyond his temporary transfer. But he also faces an uncertain future back in Turin.
Liverpool have only seen Arthur register one appearance under Jurgen Klopp since paying Juventus £4m for a loan transfer. The Reds’ deal with the Bianconeri also includes a £32m option to buy the 22-cap Brazil star. But the Merseyside natives are unlikely to retain him.
Klopp is still awaiting Arthur’s return from tearing a muscle in his thigh following his debut at Napoli in September. The Daily Mail notes the midfielder resumed training on February 9. He has also been putting in extra training sessions at home and could maybe feature this week.
Liverpool host Wolves in the FA Cup on Wednesday and Manchester United in the Premier League this Sunday. Arthur believes he is finally ready to return to Klopp’s squad for either fixture. He also hopes to show the German he still deserves a permanent move to Anfield.
Arthur still wants to impress Liverpool as clubs eye his transfer from Juventus
Arthur knows he will likely leave Juventus in a permanent transfer regardless of Liverpool’s decision after his loan spell. So, he hopes to show Klopp over the remainder of the season what he can give the Reds. The midfielder also played 90 minutes for their U21s last week.
But Calciomercato notes that Gremio and Palmeiras have turned their attention to taking Arthur back to Brazil. The Serie A rivals are aware of his troubles at Anfield having featured for just 13 first-team minutes. Yet they feel he would have something to offer their teams.
Palmeiras had looked into signing Arthur in January, too, per Felippe Facincani. The Verdao viewed the midfielder as a viable replacement for Danilo after he joined Nottingham Forest for £18m. But Fabrizio Romano also noted there was ‘zero chance’ he would leave Anfield.
Arthur joined Juventus from Barcelona in June 2020 for £66m, rising £9m with add-ons. As part of the move, the Bianconeri also sent Miralem Pjanic to Camp Nou at a value of £55m, plus £4.5m in add-ons. But the Brazilian endured a disappointing two terms whilst in Turin.
But those problems have followed him to Merseyside, where compatriot Fabinho told Sky Sports in September: “He’s a fantastic player and I’m looking forward for him to be fully fit.
“We know it’s not easy going from one country to another. But the football is the same and with his qualities and attitude, he can overcome any of these small problems. I really believe he can bring some quality to the team and he will do well.”
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