Reports Arthur could return to Juventus again despite encouraging Fiorentina loan spell

According to reports on Saturday afternoon, Arthur Melo could be set to return to Juventus again in the summer, despite an encouraging spell thus far in 2023-24 while on loan with Fiorentina.

The former Barcelona midfielder had a disastrous time on loan with Liverpool during the 2022-23 campaign, registering just 13 minutes of competitive action with Jurgen Klopp’s senior team from one substitute appearance in the Champions League.

After a tough year plagued by injuries, Arthur returned to Juventus, before being sent out on loan again to Fiorentina. La Viola have an option to buy for a fee of €20m in the summer.

However, despite a much more promising spell while on loan in Tuscany, and with 20 Serie A appearances to his name this time out, Fiorentina are reportedly worried about the salary Arthur currently receives from Juventus according to reports from Calciomercato.it.

It is believed that Arthur currently earns a net sum of €5m per season, €6.5m before tax due including benefits from the growth decree. According to reports, Juventus currently cover around 70% of that sum.

Given his relatively hefty price tag of €20m, plus a significant wage packet, Fiorentina are currently unlikely to pay Juventus the fee they agreed upon last summer.

Calciomercato reports that the situation is unlikely to change before the end of the season, therefore Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli is assessing the best steps to take with Arthur, given that his current contract, which was extended before his loan move, runs until 2026.