Juventus Transfer News: A Surprise from Brazil—Arthur’s Return Is Official

Juventus Transfer News: Arthur Melo returns to the Bianconeri, although it is highly likely that this will only be a temporary arrangement. This news broke on Tuesday from Brazil, when Grêmio announced that it would not be extending the contract of the midfielder who had joined the club on loan from Porto Alegre on August 26, 2025. The loan was extendable through December, but the Rio Grande do Sul-based club decided not to exercise that option.

Here is the explanation provided by the club on its social media channels: “Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense announces that midfielder Arthur will not have his contract extended following the end of his loan from Juventus, as stipulated in the contract, which is set to expire on June 30, 2026. In light of the interest shown in his continued presence, the club presented a different contract proposal. A financial agreement could not be reached between the parties, despite both sides’ intention for him to continue his career at the Arena. Grêmio thanks the player for his service and wishes him success in the remainder of his athletic career.”

Arthur, who joined Juventus in June 2020 from Barcelona in exchange for Miralem Pjanic, wore the Bianconeri jersey for only the following two seasons without ever fully convincing. Since then—that is, from 2022 to the present—he has consistently been loaned out, playing for Liverpool, Fiorentina, Girona, and, most recently, Gremio.

For the Brazilian, this marks yet another chapter in a soccer soap opera that has been unfolding for years. One of the most likely destinations for his future could be Besiktas, led by Vincenzo Italiano, with whom Arthur has already worked during his loan spell at Fiorentina in the 2023–2024 season. This established relationship could be the key to finally finding a stable home away from Turin.

It’s worth noting that the midfielder’s contract with Juventus was extended over time to spread out his hefty salary, originally set at eight million euros net per season and later reduced to five. This significant financial burden has greatly complicated transfer negotiations involving the player, making it difficult to find buyers or clubs willing to shoulder his salary.

Juventus, for its part, is in dire need of reducing its payroll and offloading surplus players. The Bianconeri, who will not be participating in the Champions League next season, must generate approximately 100 million euros through player transfers to meet the business plan, which aims to break even by 2028. In this context, finding a permanent solution for Arthur—whose contract expires in 2027—remains a priority for the new general manager, Giovanni Carnevali.

Arthur’s time at Juventus remains one of the most disappointing transfer deals of recent years. Signed with high expectations as the new linchpin of Juventus’ midfield, the Brazilian never managed to establish himself, racking up loan after loan without ever finding consistency. Now, as he approaches his 30th birthday in August, he needs to find a permanent home that will allow him to relaunch his career and bring his European career—which has so far fallen short of expectations—to a dignified close.