The youngster's passing ability and vision led to a drawn-out courtship from Camp Nou that finally ended on Sunday with a deal worth almost €40m
How to replace a legend like Andres Iniesta? Sooner or later Barcelona will have to solve that conundrum, even if the evergreen midfielder continues to defy reports of his demise as he persists with star performances just a few months shy of his 34th birthday.
But while Iniesta continues to play a big part in Barca's latest treble bid, the Catalans are already looking to the future. And, in securing a purchase option worth just shy of €40 million on Gremio's wonderkid Arthur, those in charge at Camp Nou have taken a massive step in ensuring Iniesta's successor will be ready and waiting to take the king's mantle when he eventually hangs up his boots.