Main target: Staveley working on NUFC move for £18m-rated star to partner Bruno; Messi loves him

Newcastle United have made Juventus midfielder Arthur a primary target ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports from Spain.

Arthur can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder and has been with Juventus since 2020. The 25-year-old has 21 caps for Brazil and has been hailed by Lionel Messi, who compared him to the Argentine’s legendary Barcelona team-mate Xavi Hernandez.

Arthur is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt and has made 26 appearances for Juventus this season, and it seems as if Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley is working on a summer move.

News from Spain emerged on Sunday afternoon regarding Arthur and his Juventus team-mate Merih Demiral.

When it came to the Brazilian, the report suggested that he is one of Newcastle’s main targets, adding that it wouldn’t be a surprise if the club made multiple high-level signings over the summer.

Marquee January signing Bruno Guimaraes has started the last three Premier League games for the Magpies, and you’d expect that he will be a regular in Eddie Howe’s side next season after the club paid £40m for his services.

Guimaraes has featured as a central midfielder and a defensive midfielder in recent weeks, so Arthur could come in and complete a Brazilian midfield three on Tyneside alongside Joelinton.

A move for Arthur could well be one to keep a close eye upon, and at 25 years of age and plenty of experience for Barcelona and Juventus, a swoop for the Xaxi-esque maestro could turn out to be a shrewd one from the St James’ Park hierarchy.

In other news: ‘Worried…’ – Sky Sports News man reacts to big reveal from Newcastle source

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