Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Gunners Could Renew Interest in Felipe Melo

Serie A giants Juventus have left their Brazilian international holding midfielder Felipe Melo out of their preseason tour of America. 

Metro indicates that Arsene Wenger may look to take advantage and finally secure the signature of long-term target Melo.

Arsenal appeared on the verge of capturing Melo shortly before he opted to move from Fiorentina to Juventus in the summer of 2009. Melo has since failed to live up to his hefty £22.5 million price tag. Considered one of the biggest flops for the Turin outfit in recent years, it appears that Melo's time in Italy is up.

Melo has been dogged by disciplinary issues since joining Juve. He has frequently let his natural aggressive streak get the better of him. But Melo remains an effective defensive shield when focused and could be the perfect addition to a lightweight Arsenal midfield.

A tough and industrious player, Melo possesses a strong appetite for the tackle. He would be an upgrade in a defensive midfield role for the Gunners because he is able to maintain his position and better protect the back four.

With Alex Song maddeningly inconsistent and ticketed for African Cup of Nations duty along with his most obvious deputy Emmanuel Frimpong, now could be the ideal time for the Gunners to pounce.

Juventus are keen to implement a thorough squad overhaul this summer. Website Football Italia reports that Melo is set to headline a list of up to 11 departures. If Arsene Wenger can fend off interest from Melo's homeland and negotiate a reasonable asking price in the £10 million region, then Melo would be a wise investment.