Arsenal were “offered the chance” to sign Arthur Melo before he moved on loan to Liverpool on deadline day, according to The Athletic‘s James McNicholas.

The reliable journalist claims that the Gunners “declined” to make a bid for the Brazilian international as they looked to get a deal in place for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz instead.

Mikel Arteta’s side ultimately failed to bring in Luiz and the decision not to go after Arthur will certainly leave many questioning technical director Edu’s actions before the transfer window closed.

Arsenal pursued Arthur in January, only for the move to collapse after Juve couldn’t find a replacement. He was on the market again this summer, but the Gunners were said to be looking at different types of midfielders.

McNicholas claims the club were pursuing a no.6, rather than a no.8, following the injuries to Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey. That is why Edu passed up the opportunity to recruit Arthur and Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.