Arsenal passed up on the opportunity to sign Arthur Melo from Juventus in January, but now Liverpool look set to take advantage of that decision.
The Gunners were heavily linked with completing a deal for Arthur earlier this year, but decided against pursuing a deal with a focus on preparing for the summer transfer window. The Brazilian midfielder has previously played for Barcelona but has struggled with injuries throughout his career.
Arsenal are thought to be targeting a central midfielder signing as a 'priority' on Deadline Day following injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. Danilo and Douglas Luiz are rumoured to be the Gunners' main targets, but their Brazilian compatriot that looks set to secure a move to Premier League rivals Liverpool.
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According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Arthur is set to travel to Merseyside to complete a medical ahead of a season-long loan deal to join Jurgen Klopp's side. The Brazilian made a total of 31 appearances in all competitions for Juve last term, but missed the end of the season following an ankle injury.
Liverpool and Arsenal have both been hit with midfield injuries in the last week, but it's the former that have decided to make a move for the 26-year-old playmaker. Arsenal's decision to not pursue a deal for Arthur Melo in January has now allowed their Premier League rivals to take advantage and make a move to sign the Brazilian on loan this season.
The Reds have been rumoured to also be interested in signing Arsenal transfer targets Douglas Luiz and Youri Tielemans, but Melo's arrival could spell the end for Liverpool's business this summer. This could allow the Gunners a free run at signing either Luiz or Tielemans, but football.london understands Arsenal are willing to wait until next summer to sign the latter on a free transfer when his contract expires at the King Power Stadium.
Luiz's contract also expires next summer and the 24-year-old has shown no signs of signing a contract renewal to stay at Villa Park. Sources close to the club have stated that they will rebuff any approaches for their star midfielder, though that may change throughout Deadline Day.
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