Barça could bring Arthur deal forward following Aleña blow
Gremio fear Iniesta's exit and Aleña's injury could change Barça's plans
Arthur could end up at Barcelona sooner than planned. The contract the Catalan club signed with Gremio in March stipulates that the midfielder will head to Camp Nou next January.
The Brazilian club, however, are beginning to have worries and their president, Romildo Bolzan, insinuated in an interview with Radio Gaucha that he fears Barça could push for the deal to be done this summer.
"We hope that we respect what's been signed," Bolzan said after saying there has been no news from Barça about changing the terms.
Barça's change of plans could stem from Andres Iniesta's departure. When the Arthur deal was signed, they expected the Spain midfielder to still be at the club next season. He's since left for Japan.
Another factor could be the injury to Carles Aleña. The Barça B midfielder will be promoted to the first team this summer but he's been ruled out for three and a half months.
Barça have agreed to sign Arthur for an initial fee of 30 million euros with another nine million in potential add-ons. If they want to bring the deal forward, they will have to negotiate with Gremio.
