Arsenal were offered the chance to pursue a deal for Arthur Melo before the midfielder signed for Liverpool, but they decided against it.

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY: Melo Arthur of Juventus runs with the ball during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore on May 12, 2021. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini / Getty Images)
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY: Melo Arthur of Juventus runs with the ball during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore on May 12, 2021. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini / Getty Images)

In the final days of the transfer window, Arsenal were hunting for a midfield signing, following injuries to their first-choice options in the position.

As we know, the Gunners ended up making multiple deadline-day bids for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, all of which were rejected. In the end, Mikel Arteta had to settle for no late additions.

But before that, Arsenal were reportedly offered the chance to try and sign Arthur Melo from Juventus. The Athletic report that the Gunners declined to reignite their interest in the midfielder, despite previously trying to sign him.

In the end, Liverpool made their move for the Brazilian, joining on loan with a reported option to buy set at £32m.

It’s not surprising Arsenal decided against the move, considering reports from earlier in the summer.

Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte wrote in July that Arsenal were yet to hold any talks with Arthur or Juventus over a summer transfer for the midfielder. Around the same time, Di Marzio reported that the Gunners were simply no longer interested in the signing.

TURIN, ITALY: Melo Arthur of Juventus runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Gaston Brugman of Parma Calcio 1913 during the Serie A match between Juventus and Parma Calcio at Allianz Stadium on April 21, 2021. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino / Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY: Melo Arthur of Juventus runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Gaston Brugman of Parma Calcio 1913 during the Serie A match between Juventus and Parma Calcio at Allianz Stadium on April 21, 2021. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino / Getty Images)

Arthur appeared to be a serious Arsenal target in the January transfer window, with Edu Gaspar even reportedly coming to a preliminary agreement with Juventus.

But after the club hierarchy turned that move down, it seems that was the end of the potential transfer.