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The 20-year-old is one of world football’s hottest prospects and is expected to make Brazil’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Arthur has been heavily linked with a switch to La Liga giants Barcelona and was spotted wearing one of their shirts following a meeting with club president Robert Fernandez last month.
But the incident angered Gremio and the club are keen to sell to a Premier League side.
And following the signing of Philippe Coutinho and the imminent arrival of Colombian defender Yerry Mina, Barca have used up their quota of non-European players and will need to sell in order to bring him in.
Manchester United training in Dubai
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“The Catalan side are also looking to balance the books after splashing out £142m on Coutinho and are looking to get rid of up to eight players.”
The Catalan side are also looking to balance the books after splashing out £142m on Coutinho and are looking to get rid of up to eight players.
That paves the way for an English club to swoop for Arthur and the Daily Mail report that both Chelsea and United are keeping tabs on the youngster.
The playmaker has a buyout clause of £45m but Gremio are reportedly willing to sell to a Premier League side for between £30m and £35m.
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Chelsea and United are considering more experienced options but will likely test Gremio’s resolve as they seek reinforcements this month.
Both sides are desperate to bolster their squads before the window shuts as they look to close the gap on runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City.