Barcelona have reached agreement with Brazilian club Gremio to sign Arthur, a 21-year-old midfielder. The Catalan giants said in a statement on Sunday that they can activate an option to sign Arthur in July by paying a basic €30 million plus 9 million in add ons.
Earlier, Spanish media reports had suggested Arthur would join next winter, after the South American campaign. The deal follows a sustained courtship Arthur helped propel Gremio to the final of the Copa Libertadores last year and was impressive as they beat Lanus of Argentina, 3-1, on aggregate in the final.
He did not finish the second leg, limping off in the second half with a torn ankle ligament. The injury meant Arthur missed the Club World Cup in December. He will join compatriots Coutinho and Paulinho in the Barcelona midfield.
(With inputs from AFP)
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