The prospect of signing a Brazilian international midfielder from Serie A who had previously won La Liga with Barcelona would usually have prompted many Liverpool supporters to salivate in anticipation.
But there was good reason for Reds fans to have been distinctly underwhelmed when, shortly before the transfer window slammed shut at the start of September, Arthur Melo was quietly ushered through the Anfield entrance on a season-long loan from Juventus.
For those who had been calling for midfield reinforcements, the arrival of the 26-year-old was insufficient. They have since been proven right, with comments from the player's agent effectively confirming the long-held suspicion Liverpool will not be taking up the option to follow their £3.9million loan fee with a £32.4m full transfer in the summer.
