Arsenal ‘preparing’ to cover full wages of Juventus star to secure loan deal

Arsenal are desperate to bring in reinforcements in midfield this month with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny both away at the African Cup of Nations.

The Gunners have been targeting a number of players and are most recently linked with Juventus’ Arthur Melo.

Arsenal have held initial talks with the Serie A club and are willing to cover the Brazilian’s £80,000-a-week wages, according to Evening Standard.

It is thought that the midfielder is keen on a move to the Premier League and a straight loan deal would suit all parties.

Who is Arthur?

Arthur Melo joined Barcelona in 2018 for almost €40 million and spent two years with the La Liga champions.

The Brazilian won the league title and the Supercopa de Espana with Barca, before he made a big money move to Juventus for a staggering initial cost of €72 million.

Despite the price-tag placed on Arthur’s head, he has failed to establish himself as a staple in Juve’s starting XI and has made only seven league appearances this season.

The 25-year-old has struggled to get into the team ahead of the likes of Adrien Rabiot and Manuel Locatelli and is now keen to look elsewhere for regular game-time ahead of this year’s World Cup.