Arsenal and Juventus are still some distance apart in negotiations over a loan deal for midfielder Arthur Melo.
Arsenal want to sign the Brazil international on a loan deal until the end of the current season, as Mikel Arteta looks to add depth to his midfield options at the Emirates.
The 25-year-old has failed to make an impression at Juventus since his arrival in a high-profile swap deal from Barcelona and the Serie A side are prepared to allow him to leave this month.
However, Juventus want an 18-month loan deal with an option or obligation to buy from Arsenal, who are seeking a straight loan deal until the end of the season.
More on Arthur Melo deal. After meeting between his agent and Arsenal today, Juventus asked for 18 months loan plus buy option to let Arthur leave 🇧🇷 #AFC
Arsenal have only offered a straight loan until end of the current season. Player keen on the move – but nothing agreed yet.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2022
Arsenal held negotiations with the player’s agent at a meeting this week, but the two clubs remain some way apart in their demands for a deal.
Arsenal want to sign a midfielder this month after seeing their options depleted, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles having joined Roma on loan and both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Melo has made just four league starts for Juventus this season after struggling to establish himself in Turin, having arrived as part of a swap-deal valued at around €72m that saw Miralem Pjanic head to Barcelona in part-exchange.
He has won 21 caps for Brazil at international level and formed part of the side that won the Copa America in 2019, starting the final win over Peru.
