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£30m man withdrawn at half-time this weekend as Arsenal links intensify
Arsenal are continuing to push ahead with their move for Juventus midfielder, Arthur Melo, but based on this weekend’s performance for Juventus, they might be thinking again.
The Gunners are reportedly trying to bring Melo to the club before the month is over. The Brazilian has emerged as a key target for Mikel Arteta and Edu. Arsenal are trying to push through a loan deal for the Juventus man, while Juve are thought to want a permanent deal worth around .
But on the weekend before Arsenal are set to ramp up their interest in Melo, he did little to impress. In fact, the midfielder was taken off as Juventus beat Udinese 2-0 in Turin. Melo made way for Italian star Manuel Locatelli, who helped steady the midfield for Juve before Weston McKennie struck a second.
For any onlooking Arsenal fans, it won’t have been the performance they wanted to see from Melo. But, of course, this was just a one off game. Whether his withdrawal was telling of a man who might want out, remains to be seen.
Arsenal are expected to press on with their attempts to land Melo this week. Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the situation just last night.
TBR’s View: Arsenal Fans Shouldn’t Read Too Much Into Melo Withdrawal
It’s unlikely the sub had anything to do with Melo being sold in the immediate. It’s more likely that Max Allegri wanted to simply win the game and in fairness, it paid off.
For Melo and Arsenal, it looks like being a big week ahead now. It will rest with how Arsenal want to structure the deal really and if they’re willing to pay one way or another.
Juventus seem happy for the Brazilian to go. But they want some return on a player who cost £66m.