Gremio midfielder Arthur says 'yes' to Barcelona
Barcelona know that Arthur wants to move to Camp Nou
Robert's trip to Brazil has won the player round
Arthur's name is increasingly a favourite among Barcelona's signing committee. The recently crowned champion of South America is liked by the club because of his technique and his one-touch style in midfield. At 21, he's a unique player in Brazil and Barça are moving diligently.
Sporting director Robert Fernandez is a big fan. He watched him play in both legs of the Copa Libertadores final and SPORT revealed that he dined with the player's agent, Jorge Machado, after the first leg in Porto Alegre.
Once the Libertadores was won, Robert met the player, his friends and his family in a meeting which became public after photographs appeared of Arthur wearing a Barça shirt. Andre Cury was also there.
INIESTA FAN
There is no hiding Barça's interest in the star of the Brasileirao 2017. The player has always admired Andres Iniesta and has a similar style to former Blaugrana midfielder Xavi Hernandez.
The Brazilian midfielder feels that, in terms of football, there's no other club in Europe where he could develop like he woudl at Barça. And Barça, who move like few others in the Brazilian market, have known how to take advantage of that.
The Catalan club have transmitted their interest to Arthur and his people. He's well-situated to strengthen the club in midfield, be that in January or next summer.
JUST BARÇA
Knowing of Barça's firm interest, Arthur's began to play his part. The club now know that Arthur has chosen Barça for when the moment comes and he has to leave South America. If bigger offers arrive than Barça's (his release clause is 50 million euros), the player will block them, because he doesn't want to let this train pass.
Barça, though, will have to come to an understanding with Gremio, who have had the player since he was 14. Arthur has told Barça he doesn't want to leave through the back door.
Gremio will, obviously, want the best deal possible. In this sense, SPORT can reveal that Barça have opened communication with the Brazilian club and hope to close a deal.
