Everton are not likely to sign Arthur Melo after backing away from the prospect, according to The Athletic.
The outlet reported on their website on 22 July that they had asked the Toffees about a deal for the Juventus man and the club had “distanced themselves” from it.
The Brazilian midfielder had a nightmare loan at Liverpool two seasons ago before bouncing back last term with Fiorentina but is “surplus to requirements” in Turin and expected to move.
Sean Dyche is thought to be prioritising a midfield replacement for Amadou Onana after the Belgian’s big-money Aston Villa move and a deal to sign Arthur was said to be straight forward and affordable [GiveMeSport, 16] but it looks like it won’t be taken up.
Everton back away from signing Arthur Melo from Juventus
Arthur clearly seems to be up for grabs if Everton want him and they can reportedly afford his salary easily [Calcio Mercato, 22 July] but it appears they are planning to go in a different direction.
Dyche is thought to be a big fan of unwanted Manchester City man Kalvin Phillips despite his nightmare West Ham loan and a deal could now be close there [TEAMtalk, 21 July].
The English international is probably more suited to the Toffees boss on paper but hasn’t shown top form for a long time.
Equally, if Arthur is unwanted at Juventus, had an injury nightmare at Anfield, and isn’t in line to remain at Fiorentina it seems that Everton aren’t the only club with misgivings.
Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea looks like he could be an excellent option and the Toffees are interested in a loan of the young Frenchman [Foot Mercato, 13 July], but he too had a long-term injury last season and there is believed to be substantial competition.
After Dan Friedkin’s takeover collapsed the ability to spend on permanent signings may have been tempered and there is only one more loan slot available after Jack Harrison returned from Leeds.
So if there is interest in Arthur is does at least seem to be readily available on a permanent deal, although there is perhaps a concern he could simply end up replacing Andre Gomes, whose contract expired this summer, as a pricey option who hasn’t returned to his former glory after injury.
