Barcelona very close to agreement for Gremio midfielder Arthur

In the last 24 hours, there have been significant movements in Barcelona's move for Gremio's Arthur. The Copa Libertadores winners have an offer worth 30 million euros on the table for the midfielder from the Catalans. 

The gap between both sides' valuations have moved closer. Gremio were pointing to the 50 million clause at first but finally agreed to negotiate. 

Barça want to invest 30 million on Arthur, which would include the commission for the player's agent. Gremio, who have 60 percent of the economic rights, have made a counter offer of 36 million. 

Of the other 40 percent, 20 percent belong to an investor, Celso Rigo, and 20 percent to Arthur as part of his last contract renewal when he wasn't paid a bonus. 

Since Robert Fernandez met Arthur in December, Barça are aware that the Brazilian favours a move to Camp Nou. 

Barça have stepped up their interest knowing that other clubs are chasing Arthur, too. It won't be for a deal this month, with the recent signings of Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina, Barça have their three non-EU places covered. 

Arthur, therefore, will stay in Porto Alegre until, at least, after the World Cup in Russia. Gremio would like to do a deal now and keep him until December, similar to what Palmeiras and Manchester City did with Gabriel Jesus. 

However, Barça don't want to wait until then. When they finalise the deal (or when the deal comes into play, for the 2018-19 season), they want to be able to decide what to do with Arthur, whether they find a place in the first team or loan him to a European club.