Arsenal have clear transfer priority after Juventus boss comes clean on Arthur Melo future

ARSENAL are rumoured to be weighing up a loan move for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo.

In pictures: Arsenal v Liverpool

Arsenal have learned the fate of their Arthur Melo transfer pursuit after Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri issued a crystal clear statement on the Brazilian's future. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is believed to be keen on bringing in a new midfielder this month, with low numbers causing difficulties over the past few weeks. 

Arsenal were reminded of the gulf between them and the Premier League's top three when Liverpool won 2-0 at the Emirates on Thursday. 

To make matters more concerning, the Reds cruised to victory, and therefore the Carabao Cup final, without star wingers Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, while Caoimhin Kelleher also started in goal. 

It has been a tough month for the Gunners, who were tossed out of the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest and beaten by a last-gasp winner against Manchester City on New Year's Day. 

They also faced backlash for postponing their north London derby against Tottenham due to a player shortage, despite sanctioning several loan exits this January. 

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Mikel Arteta Arthur Melo

Mikel Arteta may have to search elsewhere for a new midfielder this month (Image: GETTY)

Meanwhile, Arteta and transfer chief Edu have been on the prowl this month in an attempt to lock down fourth place in the Premier League. 

While links to Fiorentina marksman Dusan Vlahovic have made the most noise, the chase for another lucrative Serie A star has also been simmering beneath the surface. 

According to Goal, Arsenal have already met with Arthur Melo's agent, Federico Pastorello, to discuss a loan move until the end of the season. 

But unfortunately for the north London side, Allegri's comments, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano, suggest that the move is likely to be off. 

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"This is our team and we’re not gonna change anything," he said, "Arthur’s part of Brazil national team, he’s an important player."

The near-miss will undoubtedly come as a blow for the Gunners, who almost had their hands on a star who headed to Turin for a whopping £72.5million back in 2020. 

Allegri also confirmed that Aaron Ramsey is set to leave the club this month, with Newcastle among a host of Premier League sides to show an interest. 

In light of the Juve boss' comments, Arsenal now have a clear priority - move quickly for a Plan B, or face missing out on a midfielder altogether. 

Renato Sanches

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Lille midfielder Renato Sanches (Image: GETTY)

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the Gunners could soon convert their longstanding Renato Sanches interest into a concrete move. 

The former Golden Boy winner is still impressing with Lille, and the French side could soon be keen to cash in with his contract due to expire in 2023. 

Sanches has not been shy about interest from other clubs either, telling L'Equipe: "Who is interested in me? Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested, but I don’t know.

"I talked to my agent, I know which clubs are calling and which are not, but now I can’t tell. But I know I’m ready. If it happens, I’ll see what’s best for me."

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