Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit for Arthur Melo with the midfielder’s agent in London hoping to thrash out a deal.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Arthur’s agent Federico Pastorello has travelled to the English capital to outline his client’s desire to join the Gunners.

They claim that he held talks with Arsenal technical director Edu on Wednesday to construct terms – which Arthur’s hopes will be an 18-month long deal.

The length of that move is because the Juventus midfielder wants to be able to fully acclimatise to the demands of the Premier League – rather than just have half a season.

Arthur has already chosen to leave Turin this month and plans to join Arsenal on loan.

As detailed by Sportsmail, the 25-year old former Barcelona star is keen to make the move but is waiting on Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri giving the deal the all clear.

Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in reinforcements after allowing Ainsley Maitland-Niles to join Roma.

Talks are ongoing as Juventus would like to sell the player outright or insert an obligation to buy once the loan has been completed.

However, a stumbling block in any deal could be Juventus’ continued interest in Thomas Partey.

Arsenal have no desire to lose their midfield powerhouse and Juve’s options in midfield will be light if a replacement for Arthur isn’t found.

With Aaron Ramsey deemed surplus to requirements, Allegri’s midfield options extend to Manuel Locatelli, Rodrigo Bentancur, Adrien Rabiot, Weston McKennie, plus Federico Bernardeschi.