Arsenal have potentially received a huge boost to their hopes of signing Arthur Melo, with Juventus reportedly scouring the market for a replacement ahead of the Brazilian’s departure.
football.london previously reported that the Gunners were hopeful of securing loan signing of the former Barcelona man, with Mikel Arteta understandably keen to add to his midfield options.
Arsenal are currently embroiled in a battle for the Champions League positions and have seen their midfield dwindle due to Granit Xhaka’s suspension and African Cup of Nations call-ups for the likes of Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey.
The Gunners have just under two weeks to seal a deal for the Brazilian so it remains to be seen whether his compatriot Edu can thrash out terms.
He might have been handed considerable encouragement with Arthur’s current employers Juventus already scouring the market for potential replacements.
According to Sky Italia, the Old Lady have two potential midfield recruits on their list should Arthur depart.
The first name is ironically that of Denis Zakaria, who has also been linked with the Gunners throughout the duration of the current window.
The Swiss midfielder is out of contract with Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the season and it has already been confirmed that he will leave once his deal expires. As per the reports, Juventus have already begun discussions over the arrival of Zakaria - who is available on a free transfer despite his transfermarkt valuation of £24.3m.
Elsewhere, Juventus are also reportedly planning a move to bring young midfielder Nicolo Rovella back to Turin in January.
The 20-year-old initially joined the Old Lady exactly a year ago in an €18m (£15m) deal from Genoa but was immediately loaned back until the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
However, it is written into his contract that he could be recalled by his parent club sooner rather than later as they attempt to compensate for the potential loss of Arthur.
It goes without saying then that Arsenal will be keeping an eye on developments in Turin and will hope that both deals are sealed as they attempt to secure a major January addition.
