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What’s the story?
Chelsea and Manchester United target, Arthur has confirmed that he held a meeting with Barcelona over a possible move to Camp Nou. The Gremio midfielder missed the Club World Cup because of an ankle sprain and was in Brazil when his club lost to Real Madrid in the final.
“On the Barcelona issue, they really talked to me. We had a meeting, but I want to clarify that we have nothing agreed or defined,” he told Esporte Interativo.
“It's a club that I admire a lot. It was only first contact for them to get to know me and my family, and for me to meet them, let's take it easy. There is nothing definite, but we did have a conversation.
“I'm a Gremio player. My agent did not negotiate any contract. That did not happen. Any deal has to be good for me and good for the club, which is my home, where everything started. I arrived with 14 years, I am a Gremio fan at heart, my blood is blue.” added the Gremio star.
In case you didn’t know…
Arthur was pictured last week win a Barcelona jersey. The photo was taken after a meeting with Barcelona director, Robert Fernandez and forced the Catalan side to issue an apology to the Brazilian side.
The heart of the matter
Arthur has a €50 million release clause and is on the radar of several clubs. Chelsea and Manchester United were said to be the hot favourites from England while it was Barcelona in the driver's seat from the start.
Real Madrid have also shown interest lately but Gremio insist that they have not received any offer for the midfielder. They have accepted that the player will definitely leave in the summer but are only willing to let him go if someone activates his release clause.
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Author’s Take
Arthur is one of the best midfielders in Brazil right now and it would be a shock if he doesn't make it to the World Cup next year. He is just 21 years old and whichever club gets him, will have their midfield secured for a very long time.
