Juventus have terminated the contract of Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo, paving the way for his reported move to Turkish giants Besiktas.

The 30-year-old's stint in Turin comes to an unceremonious end after a four-and-a-half-year period that failed to live up to the expectations set when he arrived from Barcelona in 2020. Arthur departs having made 63 appearances for the Bianconeri, scoring just one goal and providing one assist — a far cry from the form that once made him one of Europe's most highly rated midfielders.

From Barcelona Star to Juventus Flop

Arthur first rose to prominence at Barcelona, where he played a key role in the club's La Liga title-winning campaign in 2018-19. His elegant passing and composure on the ball saw him earmarked as a natural successor to the likes of Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic in the Barcelona midfield. However, his move to Juventus in 2020 — part of a controversial swap deal that saw Miralem Pjanic head in the opposite direction — marked the beginning of a steady decline.

Since arriving in Turin, Arthur's form dropped off massively, and he found himself increasingly marginalised from the first team. His struggles led to a series of loan spells away from the club, none of which managed to reignite his career. He spent time at Liverpool, where he made just a single appearance, as well as stints at Fiorentina, Girona, and Brazilian outfit Gremio.

Besiktas Circle for Free Agent

With his Juventus contract now officially terminated, Arthur becomes a free agent and is reportedly on the verge of agreeing terms with Besiktas. The Turkish Super Lig side are said to be eager to secure the Brazilian's signature, offering him a fresh start in a new league after years of frustration in Europe's top five leagues.

For Arthur, the move to Istanbul represents another opportunity to rediscover the form that once made him a coveted asset in European football. For Juventus, it marks the end of a transfer that never quite worked out — and a clean break as they look to reshape their midfield under their current project.