Arteta ‘loves’ Liverpool flop as Gunners consider shock swap deal by offloading ‘very good’ star

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly a big fan of a former Liverpool flop and the idea of ​​a possible swap deal for him has been floated.

The Gunners came close to winning the Premier League last season, but ended up losing to Manchester City on the final day of the campaign.

With Arteta keen to improve his squad ahead of next season, the Gunners are linked with many high-profile names ahead of next season.

It’s no secret Arteta wants to improve his attacking options and the likes of Nico Williams and Victor Osimhen continue to be linked with the club.

As well as strengthening their attacking options, the Gunners are also looking to add some much-needed depth to their midfield.

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As Thomas Partey looks increasingly likely to leave the club this summerArsenal have also been linked with a plethora of starting midfielders.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been tracked by Arsenal for some time now, but Arteta is also considering an alternative option.

Arteta keen on Juventus star

According to reports in Italy, Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo is a player Arteta “likes a lot”. While the Brazilian struggled to maintain fitness during his loan spell at Liverpool, he impressed last season for Fiorentina.

Melo’s agent, Federico Pastorello, was quick to praise his client in January after putting his injury problems behind him.

“I’m very happy for Arthur,” Pastorello told reporters. “Last year was a difficult season for him in every way. He arrived at Liverpool at the end of the transfer window, thus missing the preparation, he then suffered a serious injury.

“Fiorentina saw the opportunity. Juventus had to cover part of the salary to revive him and today Arthur is perhaps the best player in the league.

Melo himself is happy with the progress he has made during his loan spell at Fiorentina, describing his current physical condition as “phenomenal”.

“I feel really good, phenomenal,” Arthur told reporters last month.

“It’s the best moment of my career. Physically, this is the season where I played the most minutes in all these years. Also with a lot more experience under my belt having played in several leagues and teams.

“It’s a mix, mentally and maturity-wise, I feel phenomenal.”

Trading cards on cards?

It is well documented that Jakub Kiwior could leave Arsenal this summer and Juventus are among the clubs interested in the Poland international.

All Juve have since claimed that a possible swap deal involving Kiwior and Melo could be on the cards this summer, with both players considered to be worth similar value.

In April, Arteta described Kiwior’s impact as “very good”, but the Spanish boss appears ready to sanction his departure this summer.

Alongside Juventus, AC Milan are also monitoring the versatile defender and could make a move for him this summer.

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