Arthur Melo’s proposed loan transfer to Arsenal is moving in the right direction after positive talks, but it’s not done yet.

Sky Sports report that Arthur 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, there’s “nothing to worry about” with the deal.

Unfortunately, this means we won’t be seeing Arthur lining up for Arsenal at the weekend, in the absences of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.

Mikel Arteta is going to have to keep using makeshift solutions in midfield for the time being.

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.

The Gunners are hoping to bring Arthur in on a six-month loan deal to the end of the season, and the player is keen. But Juventus don’t want to let him go without a replacement.

Fabrizio Romano reports that following the meeting between Arthur’s agent and Arsenal, Juventus have asked for an offer of an 18-month loan with a purchase option – rather than a six-month loan. Romano adds that nothing is agreed yet.

Juventus are clearly looking for longer-term assurances over the plan for Arthur, so they can reinvest more money in a replacement.