Everton’s January transfer plans have encountered a setback as Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo has reportedly declined a move to Goodison Park.
Arthur, who has struggled for game time under Thiago Motta at Juventus this season, was identified as a key target to strengthen Everton’s midfield. However, his past ties with Liverpool appear to have influenced his decision to reject Everton’s approach.
Despite a brief and injury-ridden loan spell at Liverpool during the 2022–23 season, Arthur is said to hold the club in high regard.
Sources from Juve FC suggest his loyalty to Liverpool was the main reason for turning down Everton, leaving the club disappointed and Juventus facing difficulties in finding a buyer for the 28-year-old.
Arthur joined Juventus from Barcelona in 2020 as part of a swap deal involving Miralem Pjanić. While he initially showed promise, injuries and inconsistency have diminished his role.
Loan stints at Liverpool and Fiorentina failed to revitalize his career, and he has not featured in a competitive game for Juventus this season.
With his contract running until 2026, Juventus is eager to offload Arthur in January to free up resources. While Everton’s interest seemed like a suitable solution, Arthur’s decision forces the club to explore other options.
Arthur’s short time at Liverpool was marred by injuries, with his lone appearance coming in a Champions League group-stage match.
Despite this limited impact, he reportedly developed a strong connection with the club, which influenced his decision to reject Everton.
For Everton, the refusal is a significant blow as they seek to strengthen their squad to improve their Premier League performance. Juventus, meanwhile, must now intensify efforts to find a club willing to meet Arthur’s salary demands and valuation.
