Whisper it, but Arsenal signing Arthur Melo could be back on the cards.
A lot of Arsenal supporters probably don’t want to hear the Brazilian’s name ever again following the off-on drama with regards to a January deal during the winter.
In the end, Arthur didn’t wind up joining because, despite Edu wanting the South American midfielder in North London, higher-ups at the Emirates Stadium vetoed the transfer [The Athletic].
However, it could be back on – and this time a Gunner could be going in the opposite direction to Juventus.
It’s already been reported this month that Arsenal may include linked-away Gabriel Magalhaes in a swap deal to bring the former Barcelona player to England this summer.
But Tuttomercatoweb reported on Thursday that now Thomas Partey is being mooted as a potential swap candidate, too.
The reports adds that Juve director held personal talks with Arsenal’s hierarchy in London in ‘recent days’ and that the Italians value Arthur at around £61 million.
Arsenal signing Arthur Melo might please a lot of Gooners, but surely not if it involves the Ghanaian midfielder leaving for Turin.
Say what you want about Partey’s first season in England following a £45 million move from Atletico Madrid.
it was erratic and poor based on repeated injuries and a loss of form even when he was available.
But the former Atleti machine was exceptional for most of last season and there’s a lot of Arsenal fans who won’t want to lose him, even if it means losing their chances of signing Arthur.
With two years under his belt in the Premier League now, there’s every chance that Partey could get even better next term, whereas Arthur would be starting from scratch, just like the 29-year-old was in 2020.
