Brighton have made a tentative 'approach' to sign Arthur Melo this summer following the end of his Liverpool loan spell, according to a new report.
Arthur made one appearance for Liverpool during his ill-fated stint at Anfield last season and speculation over his future with Juventus remains at fever pitch. Although the Brazil midfielder still has two years left to run on his contract, there is every chance he will seek a permanent move this summer.
Reports from Brazilian publication Globo Esporte indicate there has been an approach from the Reds' Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion as they aim to test the waters. However, the same article goes on to state the Seagulls' interest is 'not strong' at this particular stage.
Several clubs in Arthur's homeland are understood to be open to signing him on a free transfer - if Juventus cancel his contract - but it's said he wants to continue playing in Europe for the time-being. The 26-year-old is thought to want another crack at the Premier League after failing to make a single appearance in that competition.
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His only outing for Liverpool came in a 13-minute cameo during the Champions League group-stages. As such, that has possibly had an impact on the number of potential suitors for him.
In a roundabout way, should Brighton make a U-turn on Arthur he could, effectively, be signed as a replacement for Alexis Mac Allister following his move to Anfield for an undisclosed fee. The Seagulls might yet lose another starting midfielder with Chelsea and Manchester United among those monitoring Ecuador international Moises Caicedo.
However, as per the article, there are no concrete 'negotiations' between the parties right now. Arthur, who has 22 senior caps for his country, previously represented Gremio and Catalan giants Barcelona.
Brighton have already signed James Milner following his release from Liverpool, fellow midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud, also on a free transfer, from Borussia Dortmund, and forward Joao Pedro from Watford for a club-record £30m fee.
