Arsenal ‘agree Arthur Melo loan-to-buy transfer structure’ for Juventus midfielder but face competition from Valencia

ARSENAL are reportedly in agreement with Juventus over a loan-to-buy deal for midfielder Arthur Melo.

The Serie A side are keen to shift the high-earning star to help lighten their wage bill ahead of the new season.

Melo, 25, was thought to be heading to North London to help fill Mikel Arteta's midfield woes in January.

And report the two sides are now discussing a possible move again.

The Gunners are looking to get a season out of the Brazilian before committing to a permanent transfer.

But they face competition from LaLiga side Valencia, who are also said to be interested.

The Brazilian has even been left out of the squad's pre-season tour so they can try to complete a switch.

Reports in Italy say the Bianconeri are willing to allow him to leave on loan.

The return of Paul Pogba has seen Arthur fall further down the pecking order.

The ex-Barcelona playmaker arrived in Turin on an initial deal worth £66million in 2020.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

He has made 63 appearances in all competitions but it looks as though his time at the Allianz Stadium is now coming to an end.

Arteta is now looking to address the lack of depth in midfield in order to push for a Champions League spot.

The arrivals of Man City duo Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko will add to the quality of the squad.

Jesus in particular has hit the ground running with a bright start to pre-season.

Arsenal are hoping to return to European football's elite competition for the first time in six years.