FIFA agent David Lavelle has revealed whether former Liverpool man Arthur Melo could make the switch to Everton this summer.
Arthur Melo was somewhat of a last-minute option for the Reds ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Liverpool made a loan move for Arthur on deadline day in the summer of 2022, and it was not a move that caused a lot of excitement amongst Reds fans.
His technical abilities and experience were expected to add both depth and quality to Liverpool’s midfield, especially given the injury woes of Thiago Alcântara, Naby Keita, and Jordan Henderson at the time.
Unfortunately, Arthur’s stint at Liverpool was marred by injuries. Shortly after joining, he suffered a thigh injury that required surgery, sidelining him for a significant portion of the season.
During his whole season-long loan, Arthur Melo only managed to make one appearance for the Reds; he did so in the 77th minute of a Champions League away match against Napoli in 2022/23.
Despite his limited playtime, Arthur’s professionalism and effort in training were noted by the coaching staff.
However, his inability to maintain fitness and make a substantial impact on the pitch meant that Liverpool opted not to pursue a permanent transfer, and he returned to Juventus at the end of 2022/23.
He has since had a decent season on loan at Fiorentina and has now returned to his parent club Juventus.
But Juve manager Thiago Motta has asserted that Arthur is not part of his project in Turin.
This had led to reports that Arthur could be going to Everton, with some suggesting that Sean Dyche’s side have been in contact.
What was said on Arthur and a potential Everton move?
Speaking to Italian outlet Bianconera News, the FIFA agent has revealed that he spoken to Juve sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli about whether Arthur will be moved on this summer.
Lavelle suggested that Arthur will likely leave the Serie A giants in the final weeks of the transfer window:
“It’s a very slow market, there are no funds for midfielders at the moment. We definitely have some of the best in Europe at the moment.”
“And they’re very, very difficult to move. As for Arthur, I say that he is a very, very good player, but he is just as difficult to move.”
“The salary is not exaggerated: if I have to be honest with you, I think that several, several clubs across Europe could afford it.”
“It’s not crazy to think of him in the Premier League again, but in the basic scheme of things, for the player he is, I can’t see him at Juventus by the end of the season. I think he will leave.”
“I have spoken personally with Cristiano in relation to Arthur. There are some clubs interested. I think it will be a deal to close in the last two weeks of the transfer market.”
Lavelle asserted that Everton have not yet formally approached Arthur, but could yet by the end of the transfer window:
“There have been rumors about several clubs. There have been rumours about Wolverhampton, Everton and West Ham. Only rumors, but there has been no official approach.”
“From what I know, there is currently a club that has expressed interest and that I will not name.”
“The only thing I can say is that I have spoken to the club and I have just contacted Cristiano for a potential offer on the player and that this club is very, very, very far from an agreement.”
So, it seems that Sean Dyche’s side are still weighing up whether to make a concrete approach for the Brazilian.
Hopefully Arthur can get a move to a club where he feels important and can put some of the fitness issues behind him.
Even though he did not play and was on loan at Liverpool, it would feel slighly strange to see him in the blue of Everton nonetheless.
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