Reports in Spain suggest Valencia are on the verge of giving up the negotiations with Juventus for Arthur Melo, turning instead to Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks.
Gennaro Gattuso confirmed the situation was very difficult when speaking after the 2-1 friendly win over Atalanta last week, affirming Arthur’s salary was simply “prohibitive” for Valencia to handle, even with help from Juve.
Now Diario AS and Relevo both warn the entire idea of bringing Arthur to Valencia on loan is on the verge of collapse.
Instead, Valencia could ask Tottenham Hotspur for Winks on loan, who would be considerably more affordable.
He had also been linked with Sampdoria on loan, but rejected the proposal when learning he wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting spot.
His salary is roughly €4m per season, whereas Juventus inherited the contract worth over €7m per season when signing Arthur from Barcelona.
The Brazilian now has seemingly no real options, as Arsenal turned interest elsewhere after failing to agree a January deal.