Arsenal are still waiting on Juventus as they push to sign Arthur Melo on loan, with the Serie A club pursuing a couple of replacements.

As widely reported already, Fabrizio Romano repeats that Juventus will only allow Arthur Melo to leave on loan to Arsenal if they find a replacement in the next few days – which is far from certain.

In Italy, Di Marzio report that Juventus are chasing Denis Zakaria, making new contact with Borussia Monchengladbach over a deal.

They also intend to bring back Nicolo Rovella from his loan at Genoa, again making formal contact with the fellow Italian club.

Reports in France are somewhat different, with Ignazio Genuardi (via GFFN) claiming Juventus consider Bruno Guimaraes of Lyon as Arthur’s natural replacement this month.

Unfortunately for them, Lyon want to keep Guimaraes in the January window.

Ajax’s Ryan Gravenberch is also highlighted as a midfield target for Juventus, but that one is more likely to go through in the summer.

In this case, we have to hope the Italian outlets know what they’re talking about better than the French, and Juventus make quick progress with Zakaria and Rovella.

It’s already looking too late for Arthur to feature against Liverpool on Thursday, and if he doesn’t join before the Burnley game this weekend we’ll be getting close to Thomas Partey’s return and the end of Granit Xhaka’s suspension anyway.

That’s not to say Arsenal shouldn’t make the signing. In the current Covid-19 circumstances and with the rate at which Xhaka is picking up those suspensions, they’re going to need another midfielder.

It’s just a bit frustrating that Juventus don’t feel able to approve a move yet.