Liverpool’s potential new signing Arthur Melo has already had the backing of Lionel Messi.
The Reds are exploring the possibility of signing the Juventus midfielder on loan for the remainder of the season. The ECHO understands that the Reds are looking at a deal to sign the Brazil international, with some reports claiming that the player is flying to Merseyside for a medical.
While interested in a potential deal for Arthur, Liverpool are continuing to assess other ways of bolstering their midfield options before the deadline. Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is another player who has been linked with a move to Anfield on deadline day.
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READ MORE: Arthur Melo transfer latest as Liverpool midfield plan emerges on deadline day
Arthur moved to Juventus in 2020 from Barcelona, having previously spent two years with the La Liga giants. The 26-year-old signed for Barca in 2018 from Brazilian outfit Gremio, the same club that Liverpool signed Lucas Leiva from in 2007.
After Arthur moved to the Nou Camp four years ago, he was soon training with Messi. And the Argentina legend reserved special praise for the midfielder, and even admitted he was surprised by his talent.
“Those who came are very good", Messi told Tot Costa, via Sport , in 2018. "Arthur I didn’t know that much about but he seems similar to Xavi. He’s very safe and trustworthy. He has the La Masia style.
“Playing short passes, without losing the ball, and he grasped it quickly, the dynamic of the team.”
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