With Newcastle United only recently managing to secure their first Premier League win of the season with their 1-0 victory over Burnley, the upcoming January transfer window could give the club's new owners the chance to try and strengthen the squad with some new players and start the new year off with a bang.
Looking ahead to the upcoming window, it seems as though the Tyneside club have their eye on bringing someone to St. James' Park that has played for two of Europe's biggest clubs.
What's the news?
According to a recent report from La Repubblica (via Calcio Mercato), Newcastle are reportedly interested in signing Juventus and former Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo.
During his time with Barcelona, the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £31.5m according to Transfermarkt, made 72 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with four goals and six assists as well as picking up generous comparisons to former Barcelona legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
After then moving to Juventus in September last year, the Brazilian has scored just one goal in 40 appearances.
His latest appearance for Juventus saw Arthur show just what a technical midfield player he is by completing 102 of the 108 passes he attempted with six accurate long balls and two key passes in their recent 1-0 win over Malmo in the Champions League.
Completing such a jaw-dropping number of passes to his teammates is certainly enough to evoke memories of Xavi and Iniesta at their peak, two players known for being phenomenal in possession.
On the international stage, Arthur, who Brazil coach Tite has previously said is a player that "always finds the best escape," has made 21 appearances.
This season has been a rather difficult one for the midfield maestro who has started just two of the eight games he's played in for Juventus across all competitions after missing the start of the campaign through injury.
Given his lack of game time so far this season with the Italian side, this could perhaps give Newcastle a boost if they are interested in signing Arthur by offering him regular minutes at St. James' Park in the Premier League to get his career back on track.
Looking ahead to January, if Arthur would be willing to leave Turin in January and the club are willing to let him depart, Newcastle should definitely explore the possibility of signing him.
He'd bring plenty of extra quality to Eddie Howe's squad from someone who has a lot of experience playing at the top level of European football.
In other news: PIF could land NUFC's next Cabaye in swoop for “complete” £27m-rated “unbeatable” ace - opinion