Arsenal have almost reached an agreement with Juventus to sign Arthur Melo on loan, but it may be for 18 months rather than six.

Tuttosport report that Arsenal have practically reached an agreement to sign Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus, as they’re now willing to accept a loan of 18 months.

Arsenal were initially asking for a six-month loan, but reports suggested Juventus wanted a longer commitment to free up more space on their wage bill.

It seems the Gunners are now willing to compromise.

Perhaps this explains why Sky Sports reported on Friday that Melo’s move is heading in the right direction.

Arsenal talks with the player’s agent went well, and although it’s believed nothing will happen straight away, Sky claimed there’s “nothing to worry about” with the deal.

Goal reported earlier this week that Arsenal were increasing their efforts to sign Arthur from Juventus on loan, holding talks with the player’s agent on Wednesday.

Arsenal technical director Edu spoke face-to-face with Federico Pastorello at London Colney in the hope that negotiations with Juventus will start to progress.

At the time, Goal claimed the player was keen but Juventus didn’t want to let him go without a replacement.

Fabrizio Romano added that following the meeting between Arthur’s agent and Arsenal, Juventus had asked for an offer of an 18-month loan with a purchase option – rather than a six-month loan.

Tuttosport suggest Arsenal might be ready to agree to the first part, but there’s no suggestion of an option to buy in the deal just yet.