Arsenal advancing negotiations with Juventus for Arthur Melo

Arsenal are advancing negotiations with Juventus over a loan deal for midfielder Arthur, RMC reports.

The Gunners are actively looking to sign a new central midfielder this month with the limited options in the squad.

Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are away on international duty while Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been loaned out.

Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka has tested positive for Covid-19. Albert Sambi Lokonga is the only senior choice available.

Hence, the club are desperate to make a quick signing, and it is reported that Arthur is now the leading target.

Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes has been linked regularly this month, but there has been no progress towards a deal.

The priority has now shifted to Arthur, and negotiations are being advanced to sign him on a short-term loan.

Our view:

Arthur has endured a tough time with the Bianconeri since joining them from Barcelona in the summer of 2020.

He was hampered by injuries last term, and missed the start of the current campaign following a leg surgery.

Since his comeback, he has struggled to nail down a regular role with just three starts in the Italian top-flight.

The midfielder is desperate to pursue a new challenge this month, and he is open to playing for the Gunners.

A deal should be straightforward, provided the Gunners can sort out a suitable loan deal with the Bianconeri.

Arthur is excellent with his distribution, having completed 93 per cent of passes throughout his career.

The 25-year-old is also good in getting out of tight spaces, but has a potential weakness defensively.

The £22.5 million-rated star is not someone who will engage in regular tackles while he barely wins aerial duels.

He does not appear an ideal signing, but should be a quality upgrade on Lokonga for the season.

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