Arsenal facing major Arthur Melo transfer problem as Juventus handed £33m dilemma

Transfer rumours from around Europe

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Arsenal could soon be pegged back in their efforts to sign Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo if the Italian giants are unable to land a suitable replacement in the form of Lyon playmaker Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports. Arthur has been heavily linked with a mid-season move to north London in recent weeks as Mikel Arteta looks to add a creative player to his ranks ahead of the Premier League run-in.

The 25-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Juventus side as of late, making just eight appearances in Serie A since returning from a long-term shin injury at the end of September.

He is reportedly being chased by Arsenal, who are short of options in midfield following Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ loan move to Roma and the recent suspensions of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.

The Gunners are believed to be keen on striking a short-term deal for Arthur in order to provide some additional cover between now and the end of the season.

Talks have already been held with Juventus but there are said to be a number of issues that are preventing the move from taking place.

Reports have claimed that Arsenal are struggling to push a deal over the line due to concerns over the length of Arthur’s proposed switch.

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Juventus will also be looking to hold onto the Brazilian midfielder until they have signed a replacement, according to AS.

The player himself is reportedly keen on leaving Juventus and is believed to have agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

However, it is said that Massimiliano Allegri is not prepared to sanction Arthur’s departure unless a new midfielder is snapped up to fill the void.

Guimaraes has since been identified by Juventus as their preferred candidate, but Lyon are unwilling to consider any bids that fall below the £33million mark.

The possibility of an initial loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season has already been dismissed by the French club, which could potentially leave Arsenal’s pursuit of Arthur in limbo.

It remains to be seen whether Juventus will eventually stump up the cash in order to put the transfer merry-go-round into action over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Allegri issued a stark warning over Arthur’s immediate future earlier this week, insisting that he is still a hugely important cog in the machine at Juventus and may not be allowed to leave before the end of the month.

“Let’s not forget that he came from six months of inactivity, he is an important player,” said the Juventus boss when quizzed on the situation.

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“This is the squad and it will continue to be that way. Tomorrow we have a game and then there will be seven days until the transfer market closes.”

Arthur has registered 46 appearances for Juventus in all competitions since joining the club from Barcelona in the summer of 2020.

He is very familiar to Arsenal director Edu, who worked with the midfielder during his time as the general coordinator of the Brazilian national team between 2016 and 2019.

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