Barcelona news: Gremio want to sell Arthur to Manchester United or Chelsea NOW
BARCELONA could reportedly miss out on a deal for transfer target Arthur with Gremio keen to sell the midfielder to Manchester United or Chelsea.
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Arthur has emerged as one of South American football’s top rising talents and turned heads against Real Madrid in the Club World Cup final.
His performances at the heart of Gremio’s midfield have led to interest from Barcelona, with the 21-year-old pictured in one of their shirts last year.
That photo, which followed a meeting with Nou Camp chief Robert Fernandez, angered Gremio and saw them demand Arthur’s £45m release clause is paid up.
The latest reports suggest Barcelona could now miss out on Arthur altogether with the Brazilian outfit keen for him to move to the Premier League.
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According to the Daily Mail, United and Chelsea are still scouting the Goiania-born ace.
And Gremio are keen to strike a deal with either of them now for between £30m and £35m.
United and Chelsea are thought to be weighing up more experienced options than Arthur too.
Although Gremio could find another Premier League buyer, with Arsenal and Manchester City keeping tabs.
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Barcelona’s chances of snaring Arthur are not just complicated by rival interest.
La Liga rules mean clubs can only name three non-EU players in their squad.
And those spots are currently taken up by Philippe Coutinho, Paulinho and Yerry Mina.
Coutinho’s £142m transfer fee means Barcelona also need to balance the books by selling up to eight players.
