Barça midfielder Arthur Melo will be a Juventus player on Sunday
The Brazilian has agreed a huge contract with the Italian club
The Pjanic-Arthur swap deal is practically done. The only think missing was the OK from the Brazilian to reach a definitive pre-agreement and it seems that Arthur's camp have finalised the last details of his exit from Barcelona through the night. There is a five-year agreement with Juventus. Everything is now pending the official announcement, which will not come until Sunday in all probability. The contracts still need to be drawn up, but it's nearly done.
Last hurdle
Arthur is the last part of the puzzle. The midfielder insisted he wanted to stay at Barça but now things seem to have been sorted. He has been a tough negotiator with Juve and has earned a big contract that will see him triple what he earns at Camp Nou. It's a unique and irresistible offer in the end, keeping in mind Barça didn't want to renew him and were pushing him out.
In Italy they say Arthur will travel to Turin this weekend for a medical and to sign the deal. The Brazilian is in the Barça squad for Saturday's game against Celta Vigo, although he will have permission to travel and complete the deal. Arthur's desire is to stay at Barça but the deal is interesting for everyone. He has not earned his place in the Catalan side's XI and the club were listening to offers. Finally, he will leave for 70 million euros, with Pjanic arriving for 60.
Pjanic to Barça
Barça had already reached an agreement with Pjanic in May. He is also likely to undergo a medical in Barcelona soon. He has fought hard to come to the Blaugrana. Barça decided to do the operation because it will provide massive cash benefits, around 50 million, for the financial year. They believe the Juve midfielder will also improve the quality they have in midfield. He has great vision of play and plays one-touch football well.
He has been a target since 2016 but things have never worked out before due to his price tag. The possibility of a swap deal emerged and Barça were keen. Pjanic turned down offers from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Barça coach Quique Setien backs the deal, he feels Pjanic is one of Europe's best midfielders.
End of the season
The deal will be completed this week to be included on this year's financial results but the players will remain with their clubs until the end of the season. La Liga finished in July, Serie A at the start of August and then there's the Champions League in August. After that, the players will join their new clubs. Barça and Juve now hope for no final problems before the official announcement arrives.
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