Arsenal 'delivered Liverpool a flop' in transfer swap for Jakub Kiwior | Soccer

Juventus are reportedly offering Arsenal former Liverpool flop Arthur Melo as well as cash in exchange for Jakub Kiwior.

Kiwior has been with Arsenal since arriving at the Emirates Stadium in January 2023.

Last season, the Poland international made 30 appearances in all competitions, making just 11 starts in the Premier League.

Kiwior could, however, be given an escape route away from north London, with Juventus sniffing around the defender.

Juventus are reportedly keen to sign him this summer, but the Serie A giant have reservations over his price tag.

According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal are likely to demand a fee in the region of £20 million – money Juventus do not have.

In a bid to reduce Arsenal’s asking price, it is believed that Melo – who is surplus to requirements at Juventus – will be offered as part of the deal.

Melo is a familiar name to Premier League fans, with the Brazilian having spent a season on loan at Liverpool.

Arriving on loan at the start of the 2022/23 season, Melo’s time on Merseyside has not gone as planned, with the midfielder managing just one senior appearance.

Melo left Liverpool after playing more for the under-21 team than the first team, with the Reds turning down the chance to sign him permanently.

Speaking at the end of his loan deal, then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said: “Circumstances meant Arthur was not able to play as much as he would have liked, but his professionalism and his abilities were clear to all who worked with him.”

Despite his struggles in England, a return to the Premier League has not been ruled out, with Mikel Arteta considering the proposition.

At just 27 years old, Melo still has some time on his hands and, with any luck, he could return to being the player he was earlier in his career.

Unlikely to be signed as a starter, Melo could be signed as a rotation option, helping to ease the load on Arsenal’s key men in midfield.

Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard finished in the top three for most minutes played at Arsenal last season, indicating an over-reliance on the midfield duo.