According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal’s chances of signing Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo are diminishing. The news comes after it was revealed that Arsenal were seeking a loan until the end of the season. With Juventus reportedly seeking an 18-month loan for the midfielder, a deal looks increasingly unlikely.
It initially looked like Edu had reached an agreement with Federico Cherubini over an 18-month loan, with an option to buy of €40 million. Higher up in the food chain, however, Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to seal the deal.
Arthur Melo Loan Now Unlikely for Arsenal
A Transfer Window to Forget
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have been hit with somewhat of a reality check in the January transfer window. Clearly ready to take the next step in their rebuild, players such as Dušan Vlahović, Bruno Guimarães, and Arthur Melo were targeted by Arsenal. With under a week left until the window slams shut, the Gunners are yet to secure a single reinforcement, though.
Vlahović looks more and more destined for a move to Juventus; Guimarães looks set for Newcastle United, and the Arthur deal is diminishing as week speak. You have to wonder, too, whether the Gunners, with their current resources, can maintain their push for a place in the top four.
It is crucial that Arteta takes Arsenal back to Europe’s elite competition, but the Spaniard will find it increasingly difficult to do so without the necessary backing. He has shown what he is capable of when backed. Now, Arsenal must continue to do exactly that.
As the days go by, things may heat up on the incomings front. But, for now, Arsenal are set to stick with the hand they’ve used since the beginning of the season. Whether that hand proves to be successful if anyones guess at this stage.
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