ARTHUR MELO was only Liverpool’s SECOND choice to bolster their midfield on deadline day.
And the Reds were forced into making a move after missing out on Juventus teammate Denis Zakaria to Chelsea.
Calciomercato claims Jurgen Klopp was desperate to sign a box-to-box player after being plagued by midfield injuries.
And the German boss identified Zakaria as his No1 choice to fill the gap left by Thiago Alcantara.
Liverpool made their move as the hours ticked down towards the end of the market.
However, they were unable to reach an agreement with either Zakaria or Juventus.
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At the same time, Chelsea entered the bidding process after missing out on Ajax’s Edson Alvarez.
Zakaria jumped at the chance to move to Stamford Bridge on loan.
And Liverpool were then left negotiating with Juventus for playmaker Arthur.
Once regarded as a top talent, the 26-year-old Brazilian has suffered a sharp decline in recent years.
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He managed just one goal in two years with the Bianconeri.
And a dip in form has seen Arthur play for Brazil just once since 2020.
Liverpool are paying Juventus almost £4m to loan the midfielder for the season.
And should Arthur come good, there is an option to sign him permanently for just over £32m next summer.
The former Barcelona star could now make his debut against Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday.
As well as Thiago, Klopp is also without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita.
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Havey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho both struggled in Saturday’s 0-0 Merseyside derby draw at Everton.
And Arthur could find himself slotting in alongside Jordan Henderson, who came off the bench at the weekend.
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