Liverpool 'deny stories' over summer signing as Romano confirms player is '100% focused'

Liverpool are said to be happy with Arthur Melo amid suggestions they plan to send the midfielder back to Juventus in January.

One of the main stories that came out of Liverpool over the summer was their dilemma over whether to sign a new midfielder.

They had already spent £64m to sign Darwin Nunez from Benfica and looked set to not bring a new face to the midfield.

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Liverpool have started the 2022/23 campaign slowly, drawing against Fulham and Crystal Palace in their first two league matches.

Thiago missed a few games through injury and they received another blow when Jordan Henderson suffered a hamstring injury.

It forced Jurgen Klopp and the club's hierarchy to rethink. With the transfer window just days away, the Reds boss has admitted they have entered the market for a new central midfielder.

That was not in Liverpool's nature as they usually identify their targets early and wait until they are available.

That is their plan with Jude Bellingham, who is expected to be sold for around £100m next summer with several Premier League clubs interested.

Liverpool have opted for former Arsenal target Arthur Melo as a short-term solution as he has joined the club on loan for the season.

Former Reds defender Jose Enrique called the signing a 'panic':

"I saw Arthur Melo at Barcelona and he is a fantastic player with a lot of talent, but the reality is that he was a panic loan from Liverpool.

"I don't think Liverpool would have signed a midfielder if Jordan Henderson hadn't been injured.

I don't think Liverpool have improved their squad in the transfer window - I think they are a weaker squad than last season."

Arthur is yet to start for Liverpool and his only appearance for his new club came last week as they were beaten 4-1 by Napoli.

Out of nowhere, reports from Italy on Friday morning claimed that Liverpool are planning to send Arthur back to Juventus in January.

This is believed to be because Arthur "doesn't fit the type of player" Klopp would like at Liverpool.

A pinch of salt was needed with this story and Spanish football expert Guillem Balague decided to refute the Italian media reports:

"Liverpool have not decided whether to extend the loan or buy Arthur but have no intention of firing him in January. They are still assessing him.

"In fact, the technical staff praised him for his understanding of the system and his quality."

Fabrizio Romano added to what Balague said, confirming that Liverpool 'are not considering sacking Arthur' in January.

Reports in Italy have been 'denied both from the club side and the player side' and Arthur is said to be '100% focused' on Liverpool. He would have "worked hard to find the best condition".