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Arsenal have reportedly ‘restarted negotiations’ with Juventus over the signing of their Brazilian midfielder Arthur.
THE LOWDOWN: ARTHUR PROFILED
The former Barcelona star can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder and has been with Juventus since 2020. The 25-year-old has 21 caps for Brazil and has been hailed by Lionel Messi, who compared him to the Argentine’s legendary Barcelona team-mate Xavi Hernandez.
The Brazilian is currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt and has made 31 appearances for Juventus this season.
He’s previously been linked with moves to Arsenal, reportedly close to joining them on loan in January after Mikel Arteta desperately needed reinforcements in midfield, but the deal fell through in the end.
Now, it seems the Gunners are looking to rekindle their interest in the Goiânia-born star.
THE LATEST: RESTART NEGOTIATIONS
According to Tuttomercartoweb, the north London outfit have ‘restarted negotiations’ for the midfielder.
It is stated that the Gunners are ‘ready to improve’ the offer they made to sign Arthur in January. Juventus were not happy with Arsenal’s loan proposal earlier this year.
The report adds that Arthur has a ‘market valuation of around €20-30m’ ahead of this summer’s window.
THE VERDICT: REINFORCEMENTS NEEDED
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of bolstering his engine room this summer, with Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga his only options ahead of next season.
Whether Arthur is the answer or not very much remains to be seen but it’s clear the club needs reinforcements.
Stats from FBRef show that the Brazilian is indeed a precise and progressive passer of the ball who also excels at dribbling, something Arteta will be aiming to possess as he looks to enhance his playing style at the Emirates, with a capable progressor of the ball top of his wish-list in midfield.
The £18m-rated ace actually boasts a similar profile to former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets, although Lionel Messi thinks that he’s more like the legendary Xavi, which is quite the compliment given the current Barca manager’s glittering playing career.
It’s hard to argue that this wouldn’t be a sensible deal for the Gunners, especially given Arthur’s pedigree and availability. He could well prove a welcome addition to Arteta’s midfield options.
AND in other news, Arsenal make enquiry for £40.5m-rated international star, dubbed a “special talent”…
