Chelsea and Man Utd plan to hijack Barcelona’s approach for Gremio star Arthur
CHELSEA and Manchester United are preparing to hijack Barcelona’s move for Gremio star Arthur, according to reports.
GETTY
The highly-rated Brazilian was photoed in a Barcelona shirt last week and there were rumours he was about to agree a deal with the La Liga club.
But he has since moved to deny the speculation - although he has admitted that negotiations have begun.
Arthur has a £44million release clause in his contract and Chelsea and United are now planning to make a move for the 21-year-old.
It is suggested that the whizkid is on Jose Mourinho’s radar and could replace Maroune Fellaini if he leaves Old Trafford.
We had a meeting but I want to say that there is nothing closed, there is nothing defined.
According to the Mirror, Chelsea see Arthur as a long-term replacement for Spanish star Cesc Fabregas.
The midfielder was named man of the match as Gremio sealed the Copa Libertadores title last week.
But after a photo was leaked of him in a Barcelona shirt, Arthur hit back at the Catalan club while leaving the door ajar for a move to the Premier League.
"We had a meeting but I want to say that there is nothing closed, there is nothing defined,” Arthur told Brazilian TV channel Esporte Interativo.
Twitter
“I did not sign anything. I'm a Gremio player
"We have not started the negotiations.
“Then, if I sign the contract, I will be a Barcelona player, but this has not happened.
“It has to be something good for me and good for Gremio, which is my home.
GETTY
“It's a club that I admire a lot, I came here with 14 years. I'm a gremista at heart, my blood is blue.
"It was only a first contact for them to know my family and for me to meet them.
“Let's take it easy. There is nothing defined but we did have a conversation."
