Jurgen Klopp looks as though he could secure an extra midfield body on transfer deadline day, with Liverpool looking to sign Arthur Melo on loan from Serie A side Juventus.
With injuries plaguing the squad as of late, Arthur would provide much-needed cover, with Jordan Henderson the Reds' latest concern after picking up a hamstring problem against Newcastle.
The Merseyside derby presents the next test for Jurgen Klopp to manoeuvre his side through, having successfully seen off both Bournemouth and Newcastle in the past week.
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Capable of playing as both a number eight and a number six, Arthur is described as a gifted midfielder who is comfortable playing anywhere from a deep-lying playmaker to a box-to-box maestro.
Comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, as seen during his spell at Barcelona, the 26-year-old excels at receiving on the half-turn and allows his team to drive forward, something the Reds will look to benefit from.
Fabinho and Harvey Elliott look the most likely pairing in an obvious midfield three at the moment, with Arthur more suited to operate in the middle, holding possession and keeping play ticking as such in key areas.
Commended for his abilities by current Juventus boss Max Allegri, the 55-year-old has lauded the Brazillian in the past, insisting he is almost like an energetic kid wishing to constantly run around.
“He’s like a child, always running behind the ball. Sometimes he has to handle himself a little bit more, but he put in a great performance against Hellas Verona. He has extraordinary technical abilities.”
Should he become Liverpool's fourth summer addition, the signing of Arthur couldn't have come at a better time. His inclusion at the weekend could come at a pivotal moment, with his debut potentially coming in the derby.
Potential Liverpool XI: Allisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Arthur, Fabinho; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.
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