According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal has addressed the idea of signing Arthur Melo on loan, with a deal for top target Bruno Guimaraes uncertain this month.

Last week, Mikel Arteta acknowledged that the club is working hard to bring in new players during the January transfer window, with central midfield being a top priority for the Gunners.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined AS Roma on loan until the end of the season, while Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are away at the African Cup of Nations.

Areta was obliged to start 18-year-old Charlie Patino with 22-year-old Albert Sambi Lokonga in the middle of the park during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday because Granit Xhaka is now on the sidelines after testing positive for covid.

With the roster so thin, it’s no wonder that Arsenal is looking for a new midfielder, and the Evening Standard is one of numerous outlets saying that Guimaraes is the club’s top priority.

After joining Lyon from Athletico Paranaense in 2020, the 24-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates for over a year, having established himself as one of the most highly-rated midfielders in French football.

Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign a new midfielder this month, according to Fabrizio Romano of the Sun. Guimaraes, who is valued at £37.5 million, is on their radar, but a January move appears unlikely.

As a result, according to Romano, Arsenal has discussed the prospect of signing Arthur Melo on loan, while a third unknown player is also on the North Londoners’ wish list.

Arsenal have yet to make formal contact with Juventus to offer a trade, according to the Italian journalist, but Arthur has emerged as a serious target as the Gunners attempt to solve their midfield dilemma.

The 25-year-old joined Juve from Barcelona in 2020, but has only made five Serie A appearances this season, so the Italian giants may be willing to let Arthur go on loan this month.