After Arsene Wenger’s comments about his admiration for Brasilian midfielder Felipo Melo, his agent, Umberto Fusco did confirm that Arsenal have been following the 26-year old since he was with Serie A side Fiorentina but it is unlikely they will try to sign him in the next transfer window. Speaking about his client, Fusco admitted he is having a struggling season with Juventus but added Alberto Zaccheroni’s squad is facing a team problem so the player’s season cannot be considered a failure.

The player left Fiorentina after impressing in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup with Arsenal and Juventus both linked with the player, who eventually opted to stay in Italy. This summer’s World Cup finals may be important for the player’s future, on which his agent said:

The words from Wenger are pleasing because they come from a coach of great prestige, but at the moment there is nothing more than mutual appreciation. Arsenal have followed Felipe Melo ever since he was at Fiorentina, but I think it is unlikely that they will open negotiations with Juventus.

It is true that Felipe Melo is not playing to his usual level this season but the problems are with the whole team, so the player has not been a failure. Juventus have shown great belief in him by making a big investment last summer and I don’t think they are going to want to sell him.