Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat against Liverpool highlighted the need for Edu to wrap up the signing of Arthur Melo from Juventus.
Albert Sambi Lokonga was tasked with playing in the anchor-man role with Martin Odegaard occasionally pivoting alongside him, and Emile Smith Rowe also dropping deep at times throughout the match.
However, the young midfielder showed his inexperience throughout the game and misplaced passes in critical situations, which would have been more likely to reach the intended teammate if Arthur was in possession of the ball.
Mikel Arteta’s side is incredibly short in the midfield positions, but relying on Sambi Lokonga, who still needs time to adapt and mature, is unfair on the youngster. This makes the acquisition of Arthur a necessity.
Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit for Arthur, as according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the players’ agent Federico Pastorello has travelled to the English capital to outline his client's desire to join the Gunners.
Thursday nights Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool should have been enough for Arteta to show the same desire as Arthur to get the deal done, as the lack of top quality in the middle of the park was clear.
Early into the first half, Lokonga had a great chance to play Gabriel Martinelli through on goal, with the requirement of a pinpoint ball into the Brazilian’s path, however, the Belgian’s attempt was misplaced and Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was able to get to the ball first.
Lokonga’s inexperience was also clear when receiving the ball from Aaron Ramsdale in a deeper position. During the first half, his pass across the Arsenal 18-yard box almost resulted in a chance for Liverpool as Trent Alexander-Arnold was able to intercept the ball.
Arthur is perfect for these types of situations, as his passing accuracy and his ability to be press resistant are his biggest strengths in his game. He would have anchored perfectly in the Arsenal midfield.
The Brazilian has previously been praised for his qualities in the midfield by arguably the world’s greatest player in Lionel Messi, after playing together at La Liga giants Barcelona.
Speaking to Catalunya Radio, the Argentine said: “I didn't know much about Arthur before [he joined], but he's really similar to Xavi.
“He's really safe and reliable [on the ball]. He has the style of a player that's come through La Masia. He plays well over short distances, he doesn't lose the ball. He's got to grips really quickly with the team's dynamic,” Messi added.
Thomas Partey would usually be the midfielder to start in the anchor role, but he had just returned from the African Cup of Nations with Ghana, which is why he was unable to start against Liverpool.
Despite this, the Ghanian was introduced in the latter stages of the game but was soon given his marching orders after picking up a second yellow - adding more woes to Arteta's midfield options.
The Gunners have performed better this season by fielding a deeper midfield pivot and Arthur playing alongside Partey would certainly be the clubs strongest midfield pairing.
Sambi Lokonga is certainly equipped with bags of potential, but the match against Jurgen Klopp's side proved that Arsenal need more composure in the centre of midfield.
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