Besiktas Make Their Move for Arthur Melo at Juventus

Besiktas have moved to add a world-renowned name to their midfield rotation ahead of the new season. According to Sozcu, the club's management has approached Juventus over 29-year-old Brazilian star Arthur Melo, a player head coach Vincenzo Italiano previously worked with. With the club aiming to strengthen its squad particularly ahead of the Europa League qualifiers, management is said to have formally contacted the Italian giants to learn the terms of a potential transfer for the experienced midfielder.

It's worth recalling that Arthur Melo worked under Italiano during the 2023-24 season when the Italian coach was in charge of Fiorentina, making 48 appearances that year. According to the report, Italiano got strong output from the Brazilian midfielder's playmaking and ball control qualities that season, and now wants the same player at Besiktas as a piece to complement the Salih Ozcan-Orkun Kokcu midfield duo. It's noted that he has presented a report to club management recommending the transfer be completed.

Arthur Melo, who joined Juventus from Barcelona in the summer of 2020 in a swap deal involving Miralem Pjanic worth €80 million, and whose contract with the Italian club runs until 2027, is said to earn approximately €5 million annually. It's emphasised that Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has yet to clarify the player's role in his squad planning, and that the Italian club may be open to a departure to offload his salary. Should Besiktas submit a formal offer, the transfer could become official in the final days of August.

Source: Sozcu
Image: TGRT Haber