Juventus are growing reluctant to let Arthur Melo leave this month, forcing Arsenal to consider alternative targets in midfield.

The Athletic report that Arsenal were confident at one stage of securing an agreement to sign Arthur Melo on a six-month loan from Juventus.

But Juventus initially pushed for Arsenal to accept an 18-month loan instead, and they’re now reluctant to let him leave at all.

Mikel Arteta and Edu are long-term admirers of Arthur, and the player himself is interested in the move. He believes the Premier League would give him a platform to fight his way into the Brazil squad ahead of the World Cup.

One small positive is that Juventus are closing in on a deal for a midfielder – Nahitan Nandez of Cagliari. If they sign him, it would slightly increase the odds they’ll let Arthur go.

For now, however, it doesn’t look like there’s much chance of a deal in the final few days of the January transfer window.

The Athletic report that Arsenal haven’t given up yet, but they’ve been forced to consider other targets.

Ruben Neves (Wolves), Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig), Bruno Guimaraes (Lyon), and Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa) are all reportedly on Arsenal’s shortlist. The problem is that none of them appear easy to acquire in January.

That was why Arthur was such an attractive option, as he could join on loan and allow Arsenal to make a long-term decision in the summer.

Whether Arsenal can bring one of the above deals forward or find another short-term option in the final few days remains to be seen.