Former Arsenal transfer ‘target’ could be set to join Premier League rivals before deadline day

Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, who was widely reported as a transfer target for Arsenal in January, could be set for a move to the Premier League after all - but not with the Gunners.

Recent reports from Italy have linked Everton with the Brazilian and the player could be on his way to Merseyside before the transfer window shuts later this week.

Melo, 26, looked like a real possibility for Mike Arteta’s side earlier this year and there was even brief talk of a summer move earlier in the window but nothing ever materialised.

With the player now possibly being lined up by rival clubs, here is what is being reported:

Everton ‘in contact’ with former Arsenal target

Per a report from TeamTalk, who also cite Italian publication Tuttomercato, Everton are “in contact” about the possible loan signing of Arthur Melo from Juventus.

The article states that the midfielder “is surplus to requirements for Juventus, who want to offload him so they can sign Leandro Paredes from Paris Saint-Germain.”

Everton could face competition for the 26-year old’s signature though with Portuguese side Sporting CP also said to be interested in a move.

Everton are reportedly keen to bring in one more midfielder before the transfer window shuts.

Latest Arsenal transfer news

As for Arsenal themselves, the big news this Monday is that they could be set to rival Chelsea for the signing of Crystal Palace ace Wilfred Zaha.

The Express describe a “tug-of-war” that could be about to begin between the Gunners and the Blues for the 29-year old.

Arsenal had previously tried to sign the winger in 2019 with Unai Emery keen to bring him to the Emirates but could not get a deal done with Palace’s asking price one of the biggest issues.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are said to have identified Zaha as an alternative option should they fail to conclude deals for Everton’s Anthony Gordon or former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - who is now with Barcelona.

Aubameyang moved to the Nou Camp in January but could be set for a quick return to the Premier League with Manchester United also recently being linked.