Arsenal ready to spring ‘turning point’ in Arthur Melo transfer race, as Edu offers perfect bait

Arsenal are ready to offer Lucas Torreira in a players-plus-cash transfer bid for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, according to a report.

The Gunners are looking for a top new midfield signing to round off their summer window in style. Boss Mikel Arteta has made four signings already – with Oleksandr Zincehnko an incoming fifth – but knows he needs more.

And several names have emerged as midfield targets for Arsenal this summer. Leicester’s Youri Tielemans has been a long-term target and it still remains unclear if he will move on.

More recently, Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta attracted attention from Arsenal but talk over his transfer has gone relatively quiet.

That is because links with Juve’s Arthur have picked up again. The Gunners – led by transfer chief Edu – tried to sign him in January and so have retained their interest in the Brazilian.

Arthur reportedly wants the move to Arsenal, with the north London club preparing their first bid.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, that first bid will be a players-plus-cash offer involving unwanted midfielder Torreira.

The Uruguay midfielder arrived at Arsenal under Unai Emery but does not feature in Arteta’s plans. Indeed, he has spent the past two seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina, respectively.

Fiorentina wanted to sign him permanently but could not afford a deal, so Torreira is now looking for another club.

The former Sampdoria man, who Tuttomercatoweb claims is worth between €10million (£8.5million) and €15million (£12.7million), could join a third Serie A club by featuring alongside a cash offer from Arsenal.

The report adds that the move could be a ‘turning point’ for Arthur’s future, with Juventus getting an experienced Serie A star in return for letting another go.

Arthur, 25, has won the Coppa Italia at Juventus and won La Liga at his former club Barcelona.

Arthur Melo, Torreira swap works for everyone

A players-plus-cash deal involving Arthur, Torreira, Arsenal and Juventus benefits all parties and would be a good move.

Arsenal are in need of a senior midfielder and they can tick off two key tasks by shifting a player who they need to get rid of.

Juventus will also be benefitting. While losing one of their star midfielders, they will be getting another who is itching to get his career back on track – as well as the upfront cash for Arthur.

Torreira was once a regular for Arsenal. After two loan spells, though, the 26-year-old needs to find a new home as he enters his prime.

And a third Serie A club of his career could see him really make a name for himself in the division as the Turin club look to reclaim the title.