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‘If they cannot get Melo’: Arsenal could move for ‘incredible’ PL player this month if Arthur deal collapses, journalist suggests
Football London journalist Chris Wheatley has suggested that Arsenal could make a move for Leicester City star Youri Tielemans if the Arthur Melo deal collapses in the coming days.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a new central midfielder after they let Ainsley Maitland-Niles move to AS Roma. Granit Xhaka’s discipline has become a cause for concern after two red cards already this season, while Thomas Partey has had his fair share of injury problems since his arrival as well.
Arsenal are really short of options in central midfield at the moment and Edu Gaspar identified his compatriot Arthur as a possible option. A deal looked fairly straightforward at one point considering that he wasn’t playing regularly at Juventus, but it looks like he’s set to stay in Turin now.
The Gunners are still trying to sign Arthur, but if that move isn’t possible, they could go big, says Wheatley.
Arsenal could move for Tielemans if Arthur deal collapses
Speaking on , Wheatley said: “Edu has had meetings with Juventus’ technical team. (Arthur) Melo is the main target in that area.
“However, the two clubs have been unable to agree on the structure of the deal.
“Arsenal want a straight loan till the end of the season. Juventus want an 18-month loan with an option to buy at the end of it, with the player’s full salary to be covered.
“Youri Tielemans at Leicester City is certainly someone they (Arsenal) like, certainly someone they’ve been looking at. That move is more likely in the summer, but I can see Arsenal fast-tracking it if they cannot get Melo this month.”
TBR View:
If Arsenal have the funds to lure Tielemans away from Leicester City this month, they shouldn’t even look at Arthur.
The Belgian, labelled as ‘‘ by Michael Dawson, is a fantastic midfielder and he has been really good for the Foxes since they signed him. Tielemans has also entered the final 18 months of his contract, which could mean that he’ll be available for a small discount.
reported earlier this month that Edu and Tielemans’ agent met face-to-face at London Colney to discuss a potential move. It was revealed that a summer transfer was on the agenda, but if a deal can be struck in the next six days, why wait six more months?
It will be interesting to see how this pans out in the coming days. If Tielemans is available, it really is a no-brainer for Arsenal to prioritise him over Arthur.
