Liverpool flop Arthur could play huge role in Reds signing Fabinho replacement

18 July 2023 , 10:59

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Arthur Melo endured a difficult time at Liverpool (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Arthur Melo's imminent move to Fiorentina could aid Liverpool's pursuit of Sofyan Amrabat.

The Reds have shortlisted current Fiorentina star Amrabat as a potential replacement for midfield stalwart Fabinho, who's poised to become the latest big-name player to secure a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Ittihad in a £40million deal.

Moroccan Amrabat, 26, was heavily linked with Liverpool during and shortly after the World Cup, as he powered his nation to the semi-finals.

While Amrabat has also been tipped to join rivals Manchester United in recent weeks, Jurgen Klopp's interest has reportedly been rekindled thanks to Fabinho's imminent departure. And the Reds boss might get a favour from one of his former players, Arthur.

The Brazilian endured a forgettable loan spell with Liverpool last season, playing a mere 13 minutes and only starting games for the club's under-21 side, and is searching for his next challenge. Reports in Italy claim that Arthur is finalising a loan move to Fiorentina from parent club Juventus, where he still has two years remaining on his contract but has been deemed surplus to requirements.

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Given how the former Barcelona playmaker and Amrabat operate in similar roles and share characteristics, the Italian side would have a readymade successor should Liverpool swoop. The Morocco international's agent, Mohamed Sinouh, claims that Fiorentina rejected bids from Man United and Barca during the January transfer window in the wake of his World Cup heroics.

Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat is a target for Liverpool (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

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He added that La Viola's president, Rocco Commisso, promised he'd listen to offers for Amrabat this summer after flat-out refusing to sell him in January. The 26-year-old isn't the only midfielder who Liverpool have shortlisted, though.

Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia has emerged as a leading candidate and at 19 would offer a long-term solution at the base of Klopp's new-look midfield. 23-year-old Benfica prodigy Florentino Luis would do the same, while Fulham's tackle-hungry Joao Palhinha is 28 but already knows the rigours of Premier League following his excellent maiden campaign in England last time out.

Thanks to Arthur's move, however, Amrabat seems to be more attainable than previously thought by Liverpool chiefs. Despite his disappointing loan spell, the Reds flop bares no hard feelings about his largely miserable time at Anfield.

"I think I was a bit unlucky," Arthur told Mundo Deportivo. "But that is in the past and I feel much better than then. I really want to play again and seek my highest level as a player.

"I went through difficult times, but it was very important for me to have the support of everyone, from the coach, Klopp, and the entire coaching staff, to my team-mates. The dressing room helped me a lot in a difficult moment."

Nathan Ridley