Arthur Close to Joining Santos from Juventus: Deal Structure and Salary Issues
One of Juventus’ pending transfer situations appears to be nearing resolution, as Santos is in advanced negotiations with the Italian club to acquire Arthur Melo on loan.
The Brazilian side is looking to include a purchase option in the deal, allowing them to potentially sign the former Barcelona and Liverpool midfielder permanently at the end of the season. Arthur, born in 1996, has struggled with injuries and unsuccessful loan spells in recent years. He is open to returning to Brazil to revitalize his career, with the possible arrival of his friend and former teammate Neymar at Santos serving as an additional incentive.
The negotiations are in an advanced stage, with the parties discussing final details before reaching a definitive agreement. Arthur’s contract with Juventus runs until June 30, 2026. To complete the deal, Santos is asking Juventus to cover the remaining portion of Arthur’s salary for this season, approximately 2.5 million euros out of his 5 million euro net annual wage.
This potential move represents an opportunity for Arthur to rediscover his form in familiar surroundings, while allowing Juventus to offload a high-earning player who has not met expectations since his arrival in Turin.