Liverpool signing midfielder Arthur Melo this summer from Juventus was a ‘no-brainer’, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The 26-year-old made his debut for the Reds as a second-half substitute in their recent Champions League defeat to Napoli and will be hoping to earn more game time after the current international break.

What is the latest news involving Arthur?

Arthur arrived at Liverpool on a season-long deal from Juve, with a statement on the Turin outfit’s website (via Sky Sports) stating that a £3.9 million a loan fee has been paid for his services.

It also claims that the Reds have the option to sign the Brazil international, who earns £125,000-per-week, permanently at the end of the season for £32.3m.

However, it remains to be seen if Jurgen Klopp’s charges decide to bring Arthur in on a permanent basis in order to solve their engine room issues with other targets reportedly on their radar.

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The Athletic recently reported that Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is a player of interest to Liverpool, who could face fierce competition for his signature.

Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are also listed amongst the 19-year-old’s potential suitors, and it’s stated that Dortmund value their prized asset at around £130m.

What has Sheth said about Arthur?

Sheth believes that signing Arthur on a temporary basis made perfect sense for Liverpool as it will still allow them to move for Bellingham next summer.

He told GiveMeSport: “Arthur seems to be a no-brainer because even though he hasn't played that much so far, the fact of the matter is, he is an international footballer, and he's only there on loan and it's only an option to buy.

“So, Liverpool can easily say at the end of that loan, ‘thank you, thanks for your service, but no thanks. Now we can go for Jude Bellingham’.”

Should Liverpool sign Bellingham over Arthur?

Although Bellingham will cost significantly more than Arthur, the fact he is seven years combined with his additional quality means that he could be a sensible acquisition by Liverpool.

As per FBref, Bellingham produced 1.10 key passes, 4.45 progressive passes, and 3.16 shot-creating actions per 90 last season, bettering Arthur's tallies of 0.56, 3.74, and 1.50, respectively.

And the teenager also outperformed the South American out of possession, pulling off 1.42 interceptions, 2.06 blocks, and 2.10 tackles, compared to totals of 1.03, 1.21, and 2.06.

Therefore, if Liverpool can fend off the extensive competition for Bellingham's signature, then he would be the more sensible signing over Arthur, although affording his price tag may prove to be another sizeable obstacle.