AS Monaco and Arsenal battle for Arthur Melo
Arthur Melo’s future is beginning to be uncertain at Juventus. The 25-year-old is not part of Massimiliano Allegri’s plans for the new season and Juve want to get rid of him before the new season starts. The Brazilian midfielder has no shortage of suitors either, with Arsenal maintaining their interest in the player.
Another club involved in the race for Arthur’s signature is AS Monaco. With star player Aurelien Tchouameni linked with leaving the club, the Ligue 1 giants are facing immense pressure to sign a new central midfielder. Tchouameni has recently been linked with PSG, who are reportedly ready to splash €100m on the youngster.
The Frenchman’s departure could create a gaping hole in Monaco’s midfield, and that’s where Arthur comes in. Despite struggling at Juventus, the former Barcelona man is highly regarded for his technical prowess and versatility in the middle of the field.
Arthur’s quality of possession could help Monaco contain the loss of Tchouameni, but it remains to be seen whether the Ligue 1 giants can get ahead of Arsenal in pursuit of the Brazil international.
With no real depth in midfield, the Gunners are desperate for a new central midfielder for next summer. Mikel Arteta is indeed keen to add more competition for Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, and the Arsenal boss has targeted a move to Yves Bissouma from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Arsenal were linked with a move to sign Arthur earlier in the year. But the transfer didn’t materialize due to numerous complications, including Juventus’ high demands for the 25-year-old Brazil international.
Juventus could still find it difficult to book Arthur’s immediate sale due to their high demands for the midfielder. Ultimately, the former FC Barcelona player may be forced out of Turin on a long-term loan, rather than a permanent transfer.
It would be a favorable deal for Arsenal considering the Brazilian has never played in the Premier League. Signing the 25-year-old on a permanent deal, therefore, might not be a wise strategy as we enter the summer transfer window.