Gremio midfielder Arthur has accepted a deal to join the Spanish giants FC Barcelona
The 21-year-old Brazilian has reportedly told ‘yes’, to the Barcelona. But the midfielder is still waiting on the fixation of the price for the deal to be completed. However, it has been one of the worst-kept secrets in the history of transfers, following the interest showed by Sporting director Robert Fernandez.
Fernandez met the midfielder along with his friends and family after watching him play in the Copa Libertadores final. Following that, some photographs surfaced of Arthur wearing a Barcelona jersey.
A bright prospect for Brazilian football
The Spanish club has always shown their interest in the playmaker, and have made their interest known to his agent Jorge Machado. Arthur is considered as one of the brightest prospects in Brazilian football at the moment.
Barcelona is still considering to increase their strength in the midfield, with the purchase of Arthur in the month of January if not for the summer window.
Spanish Football expert Guillem Balague has said that there exists a deal between the club and the player, although the price has yet to be finalised.
Talking to Sky Sports, Balague said: “Arthur has got an agreement with Barcelona, but that needs to be confirmed in an agreement with Gremio, who are demanding the midfielder’s £44m buy-out clause be met.
“Barca will negotiate with Gremio at the right time because they want the player but they don’t want to pay that hefty figure.”
Author’s take:
It’s a confusing ploy from the Spanish club Barcelona, as they have always believed in giving a chance to home-grown talent. The likes of Gerard Gumbau, Sergi Samper, have not got a chance this season after they shined in glimpses at the club, it would be a horror addition on the club’s part after having bought many midfielders in the last two seasons.
Although said and then Arthur’s close control and movement is one of the best that we have seen from a youngster, he is a long way from getting a shot in Europe.
