There is very little doubt that Arsenal definitely need an upgrade to their midfield, and along with Bruno Guimaraes, the most talked about candidate has been Juventus’ Arthur Melo.
The Brazilian has not thrived in Serie A since his mega money move from Juventus in 2020, and now the Old Lady is happy to let him leave for about half the fee they paid the Spanish giants.
But it looks like Melo is going to get the chance to revive his career at the Emirates, as according to Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol, everybody involved is keen to conclude a deal to take him to Arsenal.
Solhekol said: “The situation with Arthur is simple. Arsenal want to sign him, he wants to sign, Juventus are prepared to let him go,”
“But it’s complicated too – the discussions are centred around how long any loan would be, whether there would be an option or obligation for Arsenal to buy. Arsenal also have some other targets, but the player’s agent has been in London this week for talks with them. So it is one which could happen, but nothing is imminent at the moment.”
It seems to me that if everyone concerned is keen to make this deal happen, then I am sure they will reach a compromise before the end of the window, and I expect Melo to be a Gunner by February…
Watch Mikel Arteta talk about Arsenal v Burnley and the pressure on the race for Top Four
Arsenal got to 4th place with the squad we have. Now we are out of both cup comps and with no Europe we only have 18 PL games left.
So do we really “need” any one with Niles, Torreira and Guendouzie on loan.
DM Partey Xhaka
Link. Lokonga. Elneny.
Attack mids. Odegaard ESR Pepe Martinelli Saka.
Strikers. Aubameyang Lacazette Nketiah.
Melo on a 3 and half month loan won’t hurt and doubles as possible Elneny replacement. The Vlahovic transfer is the real interest.
We need an upgrade in the midfield if we are to make a serious push for top 4. Mello is a good midfielder but I would have preferred Guimaraes, but if he is not coming than Mello is good enough. He could partner Partey in the midfield with ASL as the first backup. Another upgrade is the CF position and if Vlahovic is unwilling to come, than we must go in for either Jonathan David or Ivan Toni or Emanual Dennis.
Not sure about Melo, he’s not managed to be good enough as a regular for the last two clubs he has played for. It’s another gamble Arsenal are taking when there are much better options out there for the same money.
I’m ok with Melo in. If he does well, he could be a long term Elneny replacement
But, with only league games to play, if we can’t make top four with the squad we have, then we don’t deserve it.
I’d say, if Aubameyang is fit, reintegrate him into the team because I can’t see Vlahovic happening. It’s another Locatelli story developing.
No confidence in this one we already have an average midfield, Melo, has flopped in 2 inferior league’s imo. I think we need 2 midfielders, Lokonga hasn’t impressed me at all, I think he should be loaned somewhere for experience, I would bring in Renato Sanches but time is running out in this window.
Can’t lie, not really enthusiastic about Arthur, don’t think he is the type of midfielder profile we should be going for. We need a ball winner who can also play progressive passes. A long term midfield partner for Partey
If he struggled in Italy, how’s he going to do in the EPL?
But…..I’d happily welcome a traffic cone to the squad if it meant Xhaka would be benched.
Not much options….clubs don’t want to let players go mid-season……a loan deal is good enough….but why did Arsenal send ANM out on loan….?????
underwhelming player since arriving on the continent….very fearful that his propensity to pursue the more negative pass, like Xhaka, will enable Arteta to choose uninspiring tactics far too often…btw can someone explain how Arteta could have ever suggested that Xhaka was always in his plans considering our very public summertime pursuit of Locatelli…this is just another reason I can’t trust a single word that comes from his always flapping gums
Melo is a good player but lacks strength, EPL is too physical, we need players like Renato Sanchez, Bruno Guimaeres, Pedro Goncalves,
If Vlahovic isn’t working out, let’s have someone else, Arsenal like late drama,
IMO, Arteta should integrate Tavares into the midfield, the guy is good, all he needs to a little coaching on being composed,
Tavares join Martinelli, saka in the box-to-box energy, it would really add speed, energy to the team.
Please sign one of these midfielders Yves Bissouma
Renato Sanches, Bruno Guimaraes or Denis Zakaria.
Please do not sign this Flop Of The Year in Italy candidate Arthur Melo.
Don’t understand this one.