Everton open talks to sign Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo

Everton have started discussions with Juventus over the signing of midfielder Arthur Melo.

Arthur Melo, 27, has endured a tumultuous career in Europe thus far full of fitness problems. He joined Liverpool on loan from Juventus for the 2022/23 season but persistent injury issues meant the central midfielder could only manage a solitary appearance across all competitions.

Following a forgettable 12 months on the red half of Merseyside, the Brazilian had a better season in Florence on loan, where he made 48 appearances across all competitions for Fiorentina. This loan stint with Fiorentina has helped the 27-year-old get back his career on track to some extent, as evidenced by interest from clubs across Europe.

Everton have reportedly contacted Juventus to understand the details of a potential move for Arthur Melo but they face competition from newly promoted Leicester City for his signature. The 27-year-old is not part of new Juventus boss Thiago Motta’s plans and has been transfer-listed, and Everton and Leicester City are among the interested parties.

Everton must fill in the void left by Amadou Onana

With less than two weeks remaining for the 2024/25 Premier League season to commence, Everton are still in the hunt for a midfielder to replace the departed Amadou Onana.

Amadou Onana was a vital cog in Sean Dyche’s side, helping them avoid relegation this past season. The Belgium international caught the attention with his power, physicality, work rate, dynamism and passing ability, and fellow Premier League side Aston Villa picked him up for a fee of £50million in July.

With a gaping hole in their midfield and funds in the transfer kitty following the defensive midfielder’s sale, the Toffees are now scouring the market for Onana’s replacement. The latest rumours have linked the Merseyside club with a move for Arthur Melo, who is surplus to requirements at Juventus.

Everton fans will remember Arthur from his ill-fated loan spell across the city at Liverpool where he only mustered 13 minutes of action. Despite his failure at Anfield, the ex-Barcelona man remains a highly talented player who with his skill-set on the ball can make a huge difference to Everton’s midfield unit. Besides being a fine ball user, the Goiania-born man is a tenacious tackler and ground eater.

If the Brazil midfielder can keep himself fit—as he did so during his last season’s loan stint with Fiorentina—he could turn out to be a special acquisition for the Toffees. Arthur could do with a fresh start in his career and a move to Merseyside—this time at Goodison Park—may just click for him.